Minnesota Public Radio features by Bob Kelleherhttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/about/people/mpr_people_display.php?aut_id=39
en-usCopyright 2015 Minnesota Public RadioSun, 02 Aug 2015 14:17:11 -0500 Minnesota Public Radio features by Bob Kelleherhttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/standard/images/mpr003/logo_mpr.gifhttp://minnesota.publicradio.org/?refid=0
Analysts downplay Cravaack's objections to Cirrus saleRep. Chip Cravaack raised concerns about jobs and sensitive technology over the sale of Cirrus to a Chinese company. But analysts say China already has access to Cirrus' technology and that it wouldn't make financial sense for the company leave the U.S. -- for now anyway.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/03/29/cirrus-cravaack?refid=0
Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:43:50 -0500Duluthians brave snow, wind for look at wavesPeople braved the winter-like weather near Duluth's Canal Park museum Wednesday to see the giant waves and spray generated by winds that have been gusting up to 50 mph from a storm sweeping through the Minnesota.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/03/23/duluth-waves?refid=0
Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:47:01 -0500Little evidence of damage from fire in Soudan mineThe state Department of Natural Resources has not determined a cause for a blaze in the main shaft of the Soudan Underground Mine State Park in northeastern Minnesota.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/03/21/soudan-mine-fire-update?refid=0
Mon, 21 Mar 2011 23:18:05 -0500Physics lab, park threatened by fire in Minn. mineA fire burning deep inside the Soudan
Underground Mine State Park in northern Minnesota on Friday
threatened a $50-million physics laboratory operated by the
University of Minnesota, and a site that allows visitors to travel
more than 2,300 feet into the earth.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/03/18/soudan-mine-fire?refid=0
Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:25:56 -0500DNR under fire for management of trust fund for Minn. schoolsA trust fund for Minnesota schools will likely balloon if the state approves nickel-copper mining on the Iron Range. But critics say the fund isn't generating as much money as it should.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/03/16/trust-fund-dnr-schools?refid=0
Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:26:51 -0500Rukavina wants to fast-track highway move on Iron RangeIron Range mining companies hold mineral rights to the iron under Highway 53 near Eveleth and Virginia, and they've sent notice they intend to mine it./collections/special/columns/statewide/archive/2011/03/a-bridge-to-virginia.shtml?refid=0
Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:32:23 -0500Wisconsin remains divided over union actionsWisconsin lawmakers have given final approval to a proposal by Gov. Scott Walker to strip nearly all collective bargaining rights from public workers. Walker said he will sign the legislation as soon as possible. Wisconsin residents are reacting taco the fast-paced political action in Madison. We visited several border communities Thursday to sample opinion.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/03/10/wisconsin-state-divided-folo?refid=0
Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:25:44 -0600IRRRB sees profit on mining exploration loanA 2009 loan to a mining exploration company has turned a profit for the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/03/09/irrrb-loan-profit?refid=0
Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:32:07 -0600Report shows both new and persistent pollution problems for Great LakesA new International Joint Commission water report warns about ongoing chemical pollution and new algae blooms problems in the Great Lakes.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/03/09/international-joint-commission-great-lakes-water-quality-report?refid=0
Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:13:13 -0600EPA to strengthen invasive species defense on shipsConservation groups say they've reached an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency that will lead to new restrictions on invasive plants and animals in the ballast water of ships traveling the Great Lakes.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/03/08/epa-invasive-species-great-lakes?refid=0
Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:04:13 -0600Rep. Cravaack holds roundtable on PolyMet mining projectRep. Chip Cravaack of Minnesota's 8th Disctric held a closed-door roundtable discussion on the PolyMet mining project Friday with dozens of parties involved in the project, but few opponents.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/03/04/cravaack-polymet-meeting?refid=0
Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:52:30 -0600Cravaack under fire for vote to cut financial aidStudents and Duluth community leaders are criticizing newly elected GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack for a vote that could lead to severe cuts to a financial aid program.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/03/03/cravaack-pell-grant-vote?refid=0
Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:07:30 -0600News from Duluth with Bob KelleherMPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Duluth-based reporter Bob Kelleher about the latest on the Cirrus sale, updates on the PolyMet mining project, highways on the move in the Iron Range, and other news from his part of the state.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/03/02/kelleherdebrief?refid=0
Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:29:49 -0600Cirrus Aircraft company timelineA brief company timeline of the Cirrus Aircraft Corporation.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/02/28/cirrus-timeline?refid=0
Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:20:53 -0600Duluth's Cirrus to be acquired by Chinese companyDuluth-based plane maker Cirrus Aircraft has agreed to be acquired by a Chinese company, China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/02/28/cirrus-sale?refid=0
Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:46:23 -0600Superior council plans union extension ahead of Walker planThe Superior, Wisconsin City Council will consider extending the contracts of city employee unions next week, to avoid proposed new restrictions on public labor unions.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/02/25/superior-union-contract-extension?refid=0
Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:49:30 -0600Wisconsin: A state dividedAs the standoff continues in Madison over public employee benefits and bargaining rights, the debate has spread to communities across the state, including those along the Wisconsin-Minnesota border. We visited some of those communities and found that opinions are just as divided as they are in Madison.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/02/24/wisconsin-state-divided?refid=0
Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600Moose population continues decline in NE Minn.The Department of Natural Resources's aerial survey of moose found 4,900 animals in January, down from 5,500 the year before.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/02/17/moose?refid=0
Thu, 17 Feb 2011 15:10:51 -0600Lake County dumps high-speed Internet consultantLake County commissioners voted Tuesday to break ties with National Public Broadband, the a St. Paul company that's worked for two years helping the county secure $66 million in federal funding.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/02/09/lake-county-internet?refid=0
Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:24:03 -0600Duluth armory restoration group receives $1M donationA project to restore Duluth's armory got half the private funding it needs in a single donation announced Friday.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/02/04/duluth-armory-donation?refid=0
Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:20:40 -0600PolyMet cuts plan to produce finished copper at minePolyMet no longer plans to produce finished copper at its proposed Hoyt Lakes mine. The change cuts costs and jobs.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/02/03/polymet-mine-finished-copper?refid=0
Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:35:34 -0600Empty train cars fall off rail bridge in DuluthTwo empty rail cars fell off a Duluth railroad bridge on Thursday morning. The cars landed in a brushy area, not far from where the bridge crosses busy Grand Avenue in West Duluth.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/02/03/empty-train-cars-fall-off-rail-bridge-in-duluth?refid=0
Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:05:32 -0600Developers unveil vision for Duluth bayfront siteA set of Duluth waterfront concrete storage elevators could become a modern hotel with condominiums and retail space, if a plan revealed this week becomes reality.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/02/02/duluth-bayfront-plan?refid=0
Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:42:04 -0600Record prices boost Minn.'s copper-nickel projectsCopper set new records earlier this year and continues trading near record highs of over $4.40 a pound, pushing cash into northeast Minnesota's developing copper-nickel projects.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/02/01/record-prices-boost-developing-copper-nickel-mines?refid=0
Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:23:10 -0600Snowplow driver strike avoided in St. Louis CountySt. Louis County drivers may be breathing a sigh of relief this morning.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/01/19/kelleherupdate?refid=0
Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:50:54 -0600Lawsuit seeks delay in wolves removal from protectionA lawsuit seeking to force upper Great Lakes wolves from federal protected status to a state management program is on hold until June.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/01/18/wolves-protected-status-lawsuit?refid=0
Tue, 18 Jan 2011 19:25:15 -0600Environmental groups file suit over Polymet loanFive Minnesota conservation groups are suing the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board to reverse a loan to PolyMet Mining.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/01/14/polymet-loan-lawsuit?refid=0
Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:44:55 -0600Lake Superior shipping season extended by 3 daysThe Lake Superior shipping season will continue for an extra three days to move more taconite pellets to steel companies.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/01/14/lake-superior-shipping-season-extended?refid=0
Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:19:30 -0600Federal wolf protection removal suit may slow downA Minnesota lawsuit seeking to remove federal protections from wolves may be delayed several months.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/01/13/wolf-protection-lawsuit?refid=0
Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:38:57 -0600Sertich tapped to head IRRRB, says jobs are his focusGov. Mark Dayton today announced DFL state Rep. Tony Sertich as his choice to head the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board. The agency has a prominent economic development role in a chronically struggling region -- an area that, as a DFL stronghold, was also key to Dayton's election.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/01/11/tony-sertich-irrrb?refid=0
Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:55:08 -0600New DNA tests could change focus of Asian carp fightNew DNA tests are giving scientists hope they can change the focus of the fight against Asian carp.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/01/06/asian-carp-dna-tests?refid=0
Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:20:12 -0600Cargill, Iron Range company in deal over mining wasteMagnetation Inc., an Iron Range company that recovers iron from mining waste, is going international in a new agreement with Cargill.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/01/06/cargill-magnetation-in-deal-over-mining-waste?refid=0
Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:54:17 -0600Stakes high for mining projects with Dayton's DNR pickGov. Mark Dayton is expected to announce soon his choice for Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources. The stakes are particularly high in Northern Minnesota where controversial new mining projects pit water quality against the promise of new jobs.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/01/05/mark-dayton-dnr-mining-projects?refid=0
Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:11:36 -0600Duluth's NorShor Theater gets planning grantA Duluth arts group has obtained a $10,000 grant to develop a business plan for the historic NorShor theater.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/28/norshor-theater-grant?refid=0
Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:21:50 -0600Coast Guard issues warnings about Lake Superior iceA Coast Guard spokesman says winter enthusiasts are putting themselves at danger taking advantage of early ice buildup at a time that ships are still moving on the Great Lakes.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/28/lake-superior-thin-ice-warning-coast-guard?refid=0
Tue, 28 Dec 2010 15:32:25 -0600Iron Range company gets $400M iron ore contractAn Iron Range company that recycles taconite tailings has secured a $400 million deal to provide iron ore concentrate to a Mexican steel producer.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/23/magnetation-iron-ore-contract?refid=0
Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:11:54 -0600Lake County Internet project head denies connection to former employer's financial troublesThe head of a non-profit putting together Lake County's high speed broadband network says financial problems at his former employer will have no effect on the Lake County project.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/22/lake-county-internet?refid=0
Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:16:22 -0600Duluth Metals buys Franconia in copper mine mergerDuluth Metals Minnesota announced it's acquiring Franconia Minerals Corp. in a deal valued at $76 million, that creates a potentially giant underground copper-nickel mining operation.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/20/duluth-metals-franconia-minerals-copper-nickel-mining?refid=0
Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:47:10 -0600State board gets potential stake in PolyMet mining projectThe state's Iron Range Resources agency has approved a loan package that gives the IRR an opportunity to purchase PolyMet stock.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/16/polymet-iron-range-resources-loan?refid=0
Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600Supporters of high speed rail to Duluth undeterredBackers of high speed rail between the Twin Cities and Duluth say they plan to proceed with the project. That's despite a newly conservative political climate in Washington, and despite a recently released study that suggested the line could be a money loser.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/15/duluth?refid=0
Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:46:31 -0600Cravaack, Oberstar spar over file shreddingConstituents' files are the latest point of conflict in the handoff of power between outgoing 8th District U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar and his successor, Republican Chip Cravaack. Oberstar's office is destroying most of the files on individuals' requests for assistance. But Cravaack's team says Oberstar should hand them over, not shred them.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/10/cravaack-oberstar?refid=0
Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:56:17 -0600Great Lakes shipping season making strong finishThe Great Lakes shipping season is making a strong finish, according to the American Great Lakes Ports Association.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/09/great-lakes-shipping-season-making-strong-finish?refid=0
Thu, 09 Dec 2010 12:20:55 -0600Duluth police arrest six in large cocaine bustDuluth police think they've crippled a crack cocaine network they say was moving a large amount of the drug in Duluth in recent months.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/06/duluth-cocaine-bust?refid=0
Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:50:57 -0600New Duluth task force takes on Indian prostitutionThe Duluth City Council gets a briefing Monday on a new task force to address reports of human trafficking in Duluth's Native American community.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/06/duluth-human-trafficking?refid=0
Mon, 06 Dec 2010 07:00:00 -0600Judge: Chicago locks can stay open over Asian carpA federal judge has ruled against five states hoping to stop Asian Carp from invading the Great Lakes by closing Chicago-area shipping locks.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/02/asian-carp?refid=0
Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:57:33 -0600Rep. Oberstar chairs final hearing, praises committee's workRep. Jim Oberstar on Thursday chaired his last meeting of the House Transportation Committee that he's served in some capacity for 46 years.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/02/oberstar-final-hearing?refid=0
Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:57:08 -0600Employee dies in accident at BNSF docking facility in Wis.An employee died Wednesday morning in an industrial accident at Superior, Wisconsin's BNSF taconite dock facility.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/01/bnsf-accident?refid=0
Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:45:00 -0600Cravaack, Wis. counterpart emphasize spending cutsIncoming Republican U.S. Reps. Chip Cravaack and Sean Duffy met in Duluth Tuesday for a briefing on Great Lakes, port and shipping issues. Afterward, they provided few specifics about their positions on those or other issues -- beyond the need to rein in federal spending.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/11/30/cravaack-duffy?refid=0
Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:00:08 -0600Northern Minn. counties worry about losing court servicesResidents of northeastern Minnesota were rocked this fall by reports that courthouses in Lake and Cook counties could soon be shuttered, meaning that people with court business could have to drive for hours to regional trial centers in places like Duluth or Virginia. State court officials say nothing of the sort is in the works, but the rumors persist.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/11/28/court-cutbacks?refid=0
Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600Two top officials out at UMD in administration reshuffleThe University of Minnesota Duluth is losing two top administrators, in an apparent shuffle under the college's new chancellor Lendley Black.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/11/23/umd-shuffle?refid=0
Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:23:36 -0600Index shows declining prosperity in DuluthA new survey tool shows prosperity on the wane in Duluth. Community leaders unveiled the Duluth Prosperity agenda in January to monitor factors including employment, education level and poverty rates in the city. Over 11 months, the index has declined 14 percent.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/11/18/duluth-prosperity-survey?refid=0
Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:26:41 -0600Red Cross scrambling after Duluth apartment fireThe Red Cross is scrambling to help nearly 50 downtown Duluth residents displaced by a Monday night fire at the Kozy Apartments.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/11/16/duluth-blaze?refid=0
Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:39:49 -0600Dead cougar found in western Minn.Wildlife officials will be trying to figure out what killed a male mountain lion in western Minnesota.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/11/15/dead-cougar?refid=0
Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:09:38 -0600DNR: Mountain lion sightings more common, but still rareMountain lions have turned up in increasing numbers in the past two years, but no evidence exists to prove that cougars have become resident in Minnesota, DNR officials say.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/11/12/mountain-lions?refid=0
Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:50:56 -0600Change coming to Duluth waterfrontThere are several changes afoot in a popular area along Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota. One big entertainment venue is closing. Another venue is expanding. And traffic is moving again on the freeway.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/11/10/kelleher?refid=0
Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:44:50 -0600Effort launched to restore Ely Pioneer mine complexA major fund raising drive is underway to help clean up the site of the former Pioneer Mine in Ely and preserve the buildings there to become the Ely Arts and Heritage Center./collections/special/columns/statewide/archive/2010/11/effort-launched-to-restore-ely-pioneer-mine-complex.shtml?refid=0?refid=0
Sat, 06 Nov 2010 12:47:23 -0500Cravaack finds appeal in the 8th to unseat OberstarChip Cravaack seemed to come out of nowhere to defeat Jim Oberstar, the longest serving member of Congress in Minnesota history.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/11/04/chip-cravaack-mn08-upset-jim-oberstar?refid=0
Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:23:06 -0500Oberstar says the people have spoken, bids goodbyeDemocratic U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar began to reflect on his 36 years in Congress on Wednesday, telling his staff and reporters during an emotional news conference that he had no regrets.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/11/03/oberstar-political-career?refid=0
Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:14:40 -0500Duluth treatment model is 30 years old; its effectiveness hotly debatedA domestic abuse intervention program developed in Duluth 30 years ago is the most widely used approach for treating domestic violence. But as the program prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary this weekend, its effectiveness is hotly disputed.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/10/21/duluth-treatment-model?refid=0
Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500Crowd steals the show at Oberstar, Cravaack debateIncumbent Democrat Jim Oberstar and Republican challenger Chip Cravaack debated issues related to jobs, tax cuts, health reform, and the federal debt.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/10/19/oberstar-cravaack-debate?refid=0
Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:15:52 -0500Forest Service postpones demolition of wolf research postThe Forest Service has changed its mind about demolishing historic log-building research facility near Ely.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/10/14/wolf-research-post?refid=0
Thu, 14 Oct 2010 19:20:24 -0500Another round of environmental review for PolyMet mine planRegulators have begun work on a new document to supplement environmental studies for PolyMet Mining's controversial copper-nickel mine near Hoyt Lakes.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/10/13/mining-tests?refid=0
Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:04:29 -0500Moose population is down, so why are we hunting them?Minnesota's annual moose hunt is underway -- even though the animal is all but gone from northwest Minnesota, and the herd is in decline in the northeast. Even some moose hunters wonder why the state allows the animals to be hunted at all.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/10/12/moose-hunt?refid=0
Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:44:14 -0500Oberstar cries foul over poll released by opponentDemocratic U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar's campaign is questioning results of a poll released this week by his Republican challenger Chip Cravaack. The new poll, paid for by Cravaack's campaign, shows the challenger running neck and neck with Oberstar.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/10/06/8th-district-poll?refid=0
Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:01:23 -0500Synthetic marijuana ban target of lawsuitMPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Minnesota Public Radio news reporter Bob Kelleher who talked from our Duluth bureau about the ban on synthetic marijuana in Duluth and an internal Republican poll on the race in the 8th Congressional District, plus other news in northeastern Minnesota.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/10/06/kelleherdebrief?refid=0
Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:16:22 -0500NTSB investigating train collision in NE Minn.The National Transportation Safety
Board is sending a team of investigators to northeastern Minnesota
where two trains collided head-on and injured five crew members.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/10/01/train-crash?refid=0
Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:33:56 -0500Report: Broadband spreading rapidly, but rural-area adoption lagsA new report shows broadband internet is rapidly spreading across Minnesota, but still sparse in less-populated parts of the state.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/09/29/minnesota-broadband?refid=0
Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:51:15 -0500North Shore attracts wind power, migrating birdsThe North Shore is a corridor for millions of warblers, cedar waxwings, northern flickers, hawks and owls. It's also a strong candidate to attract wind turbines that generate electricity.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/09/29/north-shore-wind-power-birds?refid=0
Wed, 29 Sep 2010 03:00:00 -0500City of Duluth claims victory in retiree benefits caseA Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed the a district court's ruling from a year ago that the city could drop more than 100 different versions of health plans in favor of putting all retirees on the same plan as current employees.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/09/21/duluth-budget-health-care-case?refid=0
Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:13:30 -0500Duluth offers investment funds, before they dissapearDuluth officials are scrambling to invest public funds into new job creation ideas before a temporary state program expires.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/09/16/duluth-jobs?refid=0
Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:25:01 -0500Review says Duluth officer justified in shooting of teenAn independent review has determined a Duluth police officer was justified in a shooting that took the life of a teenage boy.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/09/15/ciliberto-duluth-teen-killing?refid=0
Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:58:51 -0500Cliffs to pay nearly $12K in fines for taconite plant violationsNorthshore Mining Company will pay almost $12,000 in penalties for two air pollution violations at the company's Silver Bay taconite plant.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/09/15/northshore-mining-violations?refid=0
Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:10:02 -0500Fourth try underway to remove gray wolf protectionsAfter three failed attempts, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is again considering whether to remove the gray wolf from federal protection in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/09/14/wolves-delisting?refid=0
Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:02:42 -0500Grant will wire Arrowhead with nation-leading broadbandMore than $80 million in federal broadband grants announced today will bring high-speed communications to virtually every home in Lake and Cook Counties and parts of eastern St. Louis County.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/09/13/arrowhead-broadband-grant?refid=0
Mon, 13 Sep 2010 19:00:34 -0500Duluth nurses set one-day strike for Sept. 14The Minnesota Nurses Association has given a Duluth hospital system 10-day notice of a strike.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/09/03/duluth-nurse-strike-date-set?refid=0
Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:05:49 -0500Rural broadband projects a boon for DuluthThree broadband projects will connect through Duluth -- increasing Duluth's total fiber communications capacity and creating new redundancies that can help prevent future phone and internet outages.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/09/02/duluth-rural-broadband?refid=0
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:04:25 -0500St. Luke's and nurses reach tentative agreementAbout a third of the nurses in Duluth, who were on the verge of holding a one-day strike, have just reached a tentative contract agreement. They work at St. Luke's hospital.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/09/01/nurses?refid=0
Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:00:26 -0500Negotiators for 400 nurses settle with Duluth's St. Luke's hospitalMore than 400 registered nurses have struck a new contract deal with Duluth's St. Luke's hospital.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/09/01/duluth-nurses?refid=0
Wed, 01 Sep 2010 06:39:45 -0500Duluth nurses object to proposed code of conductA final round of contract negotiations takes place Tuesday for more than 400 registered nurses who work at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth. The talks will focus on a proposed code of conduct opposed by the nurses' union.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/30/nurse-code-of-conduct?refid=0
Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500Duluth nurses prepare for one-day strikeThe union representing more than 900 nurses at Duluth's SMDC Health System will be making plans for a one-day strike after they made little progress at a bargaining session Wednesday.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/25/duluth-nurses-talks?refid=0
Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:36:40 -0500Nurses in Duluth return to negotiating table todayContract talks resume Wednesday between one of two Duluth hospital organizations and its nurses.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/25/duluth-nurses?refid=0
Wed, 25 Aug 2010 07:04:10 -0500Visitors come to see what's left of Tettegouche archAs a steady stream of visitors arrived to see what was left of the Tettegouche arch, park officials were trying to figure out just when it collapsed.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/22/tettegouche-arch-collapses?refid=0
Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:19:27 -0500Hearing Monday in Asian Carp suit against fedsFive states Monday will ask a federal court to close Chicago area shipping gates to block the path of Asian carp to the Great Lakes.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/23/asian-carp-hearing?refid=0
Mon, 23 Aug 2010 06:52:37 -0500In Duluth, reaction to nurses' strike vote is subduedNo new contract talks are scheduled a day after 1,300 Duluth nurses rejected contract offers and authorized their union to call a one-day strike against the city's two hospitals. A strike date has yet to be set.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/19/duluth-nurses-strike?refid=0
Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:23:48 -0500Duluth nurses voting on contract offer, one-day strikeMore than 1,300 Duluth nurses are voting today on final contract offers from the city's two hospital groups.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/18/duluth-nurse-strike-vote?refid=0
Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:08:27 -0500Duluth nurses vote today on contract, one-day strikeUnion leaders are urging members to reject the contracts, and authorize a one-day strike. Negotiations have been stuck on the issue of staffing, with nurses wanting specific contract language to give them the authority to add staff on busy days.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/18/duluth-nurses-vote?refid=0
Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:00:00 -0500Union nurses in Duluth scheduled to hold strike voteThe union nurses at two Duluth hospital systems are scheduled to hold a strike vote later this week in a contract dispute that prompted a one-day nurses strike in the Twin cities last June.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/16/duluth-nurses-negotiations?refid=0
Mon, 16 Aug 2010 06:35:54 -0500Duluth hospital nurses to hold strike voteUnion nurses at two Duluth hospital systems are scheduled to hold a strike vote later this week in a contract dispute that prompted a one-day nurse's strike in the Twin Cities last June.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/14/duluth-nurses?refid=0
Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500Scott County Attorney to handle Duluth shooting caseThe Scott County Attorney will consider whether charges are warranted after a Duluth police officer shot and killed a rampaging 17-year-old.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/13/scott-county-duluth-shooting?refid=0
Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:10:26 -0500Lake Superior reaches record tempThis year, the normally uncomfortably cool surface waters of Lake Superior aren't so cold, but a researcher stops short of directly blaming global warming.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/12/warm-lake-superior?refid=0
Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:03:57 -0500DNR, other organizations join timberwolf lawsuitA federal judge is allowing the Minnesota DNR to weigh in on a citizen's lawsuit seeking to force federal officials to end the protected status of upper-Midwest timberwolves.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/11/wolve-lawsuit?refid=0
Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:20:22 -0500Authorities ID teenager killed by Duluth policeThe Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has identified the 17-year-old shot to death by a police officer in Duluth Thursday night as Joseph Anthony Carl.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/06/duluth-shooting?refid=0
Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:23:14 -0500Feds give $40M to Minn. companies for rural broadbandFive rural Minnesota telephone systems will be splitting more than $40 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture grants to expand access to broadband internet.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/04/broadband-grants?refid=0
Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:08:11 -0500Mining industry rebound leads to big 2Q gain for AlleteA rebounding taconite mining industry is helping the bottom line at Duluth-based electric provider Minnesota Power.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/04/allete-2q?refid=0
Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:51:39 -0500All the news from Northern MinnesotaA cellphone tower in the boundary waters sparks a lawsuit, nurses picket in Duluth and the Splitrock lighthouse turns 100. Bob Kelleher joins Cathy Wurzer to discuss all the news from Northern Minnesota.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/04/all_the_news_from_northern_minnesota?refid=0
Wed, 04 Aug 2010 09:38:00 -0500Duluth nurses stage informational picketAbout 100 nurses and their supporters picketed Duluth's St. Luke's hospital Tuesday afternoon, because little progress has been made in their contract talks with Duluth's two hospital systems.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/03/duluth-nurses?refid=0
Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:53:12 -0500911 outage in NE Minn. not causing major problemsThe St. Louis County Sheriff's Office said 911 service in Ely, Babbitt, Floodwood, International Falls, McGregor, Aurora, Tower, Two Harbors and Ranier might be interrupted between now and about 9 p.m. Tuesday night.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/03/st-louis-county-fiber-optic-line-cut?refid=0
Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:40:30 -0500Forest Service mulls razing historic wolf research postWhen wolf researcher Mike Nelson isn't in the woods, he's often in the Kawishiwi Laboratory and Forest Research Center -- a small complex of log and stone cabins nestled under centuries-old white pines south of Ely.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/08/02/wolf-research-kawishiwi-river?refid=0
Tue, 03 Aug 2010 03:00:00 -0500Tall ships sail into Duluth harborMore than 100,000 visitors are expected to flock into Duluth this weekend for the festival, likely to be the city's biggest summer attraction. It opens today with a grand arrival of all nine.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/07/29/tall-ships-duluth?refid=0
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:00:00 -0500Kelliher calls for property tax breaks for seniorsKelliher laid out her agenda for senior citizens in a visit on Monday at Duluth's Rainbow Senior Center.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/07/26/kelliher-senior-citizens?refid=0
Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:21:55 -0500Murphy Oil selling Superior, Wis. refineryMurphy Oil Corporation is putting its Superior, Wisconsin oil refinery up for sale.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/07/23/murphy-oil-sale?refid=0
Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:45:18 -0500Former Cirrus executive forms new company in MaineA former Duluth aircraft executive has formed a new airplane company in New England.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/07/23/cirrus-executive-new-company?refid=0
Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:10:28 -0500Duluth Metals signs $130M deal to study copper miningEly-based Duluth Metals has signed a partnership with international copper mining company Antofagasta to help pave the way for an underground copper nickel project.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/07/21/duluth-metals-deal?refid=0
Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:56:03 -0500Petition: Wolves should be restored across more of USThe Center for Biological Diversity hopes to see a lot more wolves in places like the Great Plains, New England and the California basin.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/07/20/wolves-petition?refid=0
Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:10:30 -05005 Great Lakes states sue feds over Asian carpMinnesota has joined four other Great Lakes states in a lawsuit to block the movement of asian carp.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/07/19/asian-carp?refid=0
Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:08:06 -0500Blasts in Nashwauk loud but welcome noise as Essar builds steel plantAfter more than a decade of planning, blasting is a first step toward Essar Steel's huge project that will combine an iron mine, taconite pellet plant and steel mill.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/07/19/essar-steel-nashwauk?refid=0
Mon, 19 Jul 2010 03:00:00 -0500Duluth airshow promises thrillsThe U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds arrived in Duluth with a roar Thursday morning, in preparation for the Duluth Air and Aviation Expo.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/07/16/duluth-airshow?refid=0
Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:42:51 -0500Hundreds of nurses picket Duluth hospitalsSeveral hundred nurses in red shirts picketed a pair of Duluth hospitals on Monday.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/07/12/duluth-picket?refid=0
Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:58:56 -0500The next front in the nurse staffing debate: DuluthTalks are underway in Duluth between the nurses' union and area hospitals, and nurse-to-patient ratios are at the center of the debate.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/07/09/duluth-nurses-picket?refid=0
Mon, 12 Jul 2010 05:00:00 -0500Crash victims' families push for new airline rulesRelatives of the victims of a New York commuter air crash are in Minnesota lobbying for new regulations for the nation's smaller airlines.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/07/08/crash-victims-families-push-for-new-airline-rules?refid=0
Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:19:13 -0500Money for motorized recreation too much, some Minnesotans sayA Minnesota group opposed to motorized recreation says the state should stop spending millions of gas tax dollars on programs for snowmobiles, boats and All Terrain Vehicles. Minnesotans for Responsible Recreation says the state should put the money toward deteriorating roads and bridges instead.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/07/06/motorized-recreation?refid=0
Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500News from Duluth from Bob KelleherInvasive fish in the great lakes, cell phone towers in the Boundary Waters, and illegal music downloads-- Cathy Wurzer talks to Duluth reporter Bob Kelleher.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/06/30/kelleher-debrief?refid=0
Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:58:10 -0500Rural hospitals struggle with rapidly changing health careFor hospitals in small Minnesota communities, there hasn't been much to embrace in health care changes.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/06/28/rural-hospitals?refid=0
Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:00:13 -0500Gerald Heaney, influential Minn. judge, dies at 92Retired federal appeals court Judge Gerald Heaney, a longtime DFL activist and an influential jurist, died Tuesday in his hometown of Duluth. He was 92.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/06/22/heaney-obit?refid=0
Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:52:41 -0500A better way to clean up old dry-cleaning sitesPollution control crews began using a new technique on Wednesday to clean up tainted soil and water at a site near Duluth, hoping they have found a simpler and cheaper way of dealing with cancer-causing chemicals often traced to old dry-cleaning sites.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/06/16/esko-pollution-cleanup?refid=0
Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:10:00 -0500NE Minn. company opens second plant to recover iron from wasteA northeast Minnesota company is expanding operations to recover iron from old piles of mining waste.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/06/08/magnetation?refid=0
Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:21:17 -0500With tall ships, sunken treasure coming to DuluthA Wisconsin-based treasure hunter is bringing more than $7 million in treasure and artifacts to Duluth this summer.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/06/02/with-tall-ships-sunken-treasure-coming-to-duluth?refid=0
Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:24:35 -0500Holiday traffic tests Duluth road constructionThe huge road repair project in and around Duluth got its first major traffic test over the Memorial Day weekend. The project has reduced the roadway to one lane in each direction over parts of a 10-mile stretch. MnDOT officials were telling motorists to expect trips to allow an extra half-an-hour.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/06/02/kelleher?refid=0
Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:13:12 -0500Facebook racism incident raises diversity issues at UMDThe University of Minnesota Duluth campus is returning to normal after an uproar over a Facebook conversation in which two young white women mocked an African-American student in the same room.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/05/14/duluth-facebook-racism?refid=0
Fri, 14 May 2010 16:15:40 -0500DNR taking over project to drain water from mine pitThe Minnesota DNR has taken over a project to begin draining rising waters from an Iron Range mine pit that threatens to flood the town of Bovey.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/05/13/mine-pit-water?refid=0
Thu, 13 May 2010 14:15:53 -0500Dry spring has northern Minn. on high alert for wildfiresWeekend rains have helped alleviate the immediate fire danger in northern Minnesota, but fire officials say much more rain is needed to overcome a long dry spell that reminds some people of moisture levels not seen in decades.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/05/03/northern-minnesota-fire-danger?refid=0
Mon, 03 May 2010 14:17:50 -0500Fire risk high in N. Minnesota despite weekend rainsThe fire risk in northern Minnesota remains high despite weekend rains.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/05/03/fire-risk?refid=0
Mon, 03 May 2010 08:34:21 -0500DNR: Wildfires near Cloquet are arsonThe DNR said someone has been setting wildfires near Cloquet, just south of Duluth.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/04/29/arson-duluth?refid=0
Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:20:36 -0500While agencies disagree, old mine pit keeps filling with waterA disagreement between two government agencies has stalemated a solution to a big problem for the Iron Range town of Bovey. That's where a nearby mine pit continues filling with water that could inundate Bovey if not stopped.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/04/23/canisteo-mine-pit?refid=0
Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:58:31 -0500Northern Minn. physicians and clinics form new networkMore than 160 independent physicians and 40 clinics in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin are banding together to better compete with large hospital-based physician networks.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/04/20/northern-minnesota-physician-network?refid=0
Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:14:19 -0500Brief lockdown after knife found at Orr schoolThe school in the town of Orr went into lockdown this morning when a knife was found.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/04/15/orr-lockdown?refid=0
Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:39:43 -0500Superior Diocese suspends retired priest over 'inappropriate conduct' allegationsThe Catholic Diocese of Superior has suspended a Wisconsin priest after allegations of "inappropriate conduct" with an unnamed individual.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/04/14/priest-suspended?refid=0
Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:33:24 -0500Traffic snarls, headaches expected during $67M Duluth road projectMajor re-construction begins soon on a 10-mile stretch of Interstate 35 through Duluth, and transportation officials warn that traffic will move slowly at times; and there's no good single detour to get around the mess.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/04/13/i35-duluth-mess?refid=0
Wed, 14 Apr 2010 05:00:00 -0500Changes to retiree health care ease Duluth's financial painDuluth's crushing obligation for retiree health care costs was once projected to push the city to possible bankruptcy.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/04/07/duluth-retiree-health-care?refid=0
Wed, 07 Apr 2010 21:27:48 -0500Suit filed to remove Minn. wolves from endangered species listTwo Minnesota men have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to remove Minnesota wolves from the U.S. endangered species list.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/04/07/wolves-delisting?refid=0
Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:25:23 -0500Duluth considers instant runoff votingDuluth officials are considering instant runoff voting in city elections.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/04/06/duluth-instant-runoff-voting?refid=0
Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:14:36 -0500Ice off of northeastern Minnesota lakes a week earlier than ever recordedIce is going out on northeastern Minnesota lakes well ahead of normal and often more than week earlier than previous records.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/04/05/ice-out?refid=0
Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:55:24 -0500Census forms not showing up in some places in MinnesotaMinnesotans are ahead of the rest of the nation in returning census forms, but in some places in the state residents never receive the forms at all.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/04/01/census-gaps?refid=0
Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:02:26 -0500Small businesses wary of health care reform lawSmall businesses will be among the first in line to take advantage of provisions under federal health care reform. President Obama hailed the tax credits designed to make health plans more affordable. But some business owners say the tax credit doesn't reduce the cost of health insurance enough.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/03/30/smallbiz-healthcare?refid=0
Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:52:21 -0500$43 million announced for broadband in NE Minn.An ambitious plan to connect police and other critical service providers by broadband across northeast Minnesota is getting more than $43 million in federal funding.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/03/23/ne-mn-broadband?refid=0
Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:05:25 -0500Bill would limit invasive species by limiting new boat rampsA state Senate committee considers a bill Friday that would ban new public boat ramps on some Minnesota lakes. It aims to keep invasive species out of lakes not yet infested by them.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/03/18/boatramps-invasives?refid=0
Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:00:00 -0500County official wants Lake Vermilion park to include private developmentA St. Louis County commissioner hopes to shrink the size of a proposed state park around Lake Vermilion, but others say it's too late for that.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/03/15/lake-vermilion-state-park?refid=0
Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:51:15 -0500Duluth public workers strike avertedA strike could have crippled Duluth snowplowing, clerical work, natural gas and water operations. Libraries would have closed.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/03/04/duluth-strike-averted?refid=0
Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:43:25 -0600PUC approved key permits for Iron Range coal-gasification power plantThe Minnesota Public Utilties Commission (PUC) has approved some key permits for the Mesaba Energy Project; a proposed coal-gasification power plant on the Iron Range.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/03/04/puc-approves-permits?refid=0
Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:10:37 -0600Duluth's largest labor union settles on tentative contractThe City of Duluth and its largest labor union have a tentative agreement on a new contract.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/03/04/duluth-labor-contract?refid=0
Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:07:48 -0600Duluth says Google network could be 'magnet' for growthJust days after Google pitched its nationwide offer to bring super-fast broadband to a winning community, Duluth Mayor Don Ness was elbowing for his city to be first in line.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/02/25/duluth-google?refid=0
Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600Duluth's largest union files intent to strikeThe union representing over 460 city of
Duluth workers has filed its official intent to strike.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/02/24/duluth-strike?refid=0
Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:56:33 -0600Groups like Obama's Great Lakes plan, but funding an issueThe Obama Administration's Great Lakes restoration plan is getting favorable marks in the upper midwest, but many details, including most of the funding, remain to be worked out.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/02/22/groups-like-obamas-great-lakes-plan-but-funding-an-issue?refid=0
Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:09:18 -0600Lake County acts to prevent another phone outageLake County officials are making plans to avoid the widespread communications outage that hit two weeks ago when a fiber optic line in Duluth was severed.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/02/19/duluth-communications?refid=0
Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:55:53 -0600Renewed calls to remove gray wolf from federal protectionThe growing number of gray wolves in Minnesota and other north central states is fueling a backlash against the predator, which is still protected under federal law.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/02/17/gray-wolf-federal-protection?refid=0
Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:34:02 -0600White House promises $78.5M to try to halt Asian carpThe Obama administration Monday presented its plans to battle the spread of the Asian carp into more of the Great Lakes, including Lake Superior.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/02/08/asian-carp-summit?refid=0
Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:11:26 -0600Northshore phone outage may spur improvementsOfficials on the North Shore are hoping a communications collapse last week might improve their chances of securing stimulus money to prevent similar problems in the future.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/02/05/northshore-folo?refid=0
Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:12:10 -0600Phone outage in NE Minn. reveals potential dangersA burned-out cable severed communications at the U.S. Border Patrol office in Grand Marais and across north east Minnesota last week, and local officials are calling for an improved network--for safety and security's sake.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/02/03/north-shore-phone-outage?refid=0
Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:00:00 -0600EPA opens hearings on herbicide atrazineThe EPA has opened hearings on the safety of the farm herbicide atrazine and some Minnesota farmers are defending the product.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/02/02/atrazine-hearings?refid=0
Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:35:14 -0600Thousands tell DNR their thoughts on proposed PolyMet mineInterest comes largely over fears the project will create long-lasting pollution as water drains through acidic rock. PolyMet says it can mine the metals while protecting air and water.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/02/01/polymet-mine-comment-eis?refid=0
Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:05:00 -0600Reaction mixed on Obama's proposed stimulus for small businessSmall business owners and the people who serve them are cautiously optimistic about new proposals from President Obama Wednesday.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/28/small-business-sotu?refid=0
Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600Near perfect conditions expected for Beargrease sled dog raceThe latest snow storm has produced ideal trail conditions for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon starting this weekend.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/28/beargrease?refid=0
Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:01:09 -0600Deadly fish virus reaches Lake SuperiorViral hemorrhagic septicemia poses no threat to people, but can be fatal to fish. It's now been identified in all of the Great Lakes.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/27/fish-vhs?refid=0
Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:00:15 -0600Phone outage along the North ShoreLong distance and emergency 911 phone service is out in communities along much of Lake Superior's North Shore. Local service remains unaffected.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/26/phoneservice?refid=0
Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:02:56 -0600Group to sue over taconite waste pitsA coalition of conservation groups plans to file suit over two former taconite waste pits intended to hold waste from new copper-nickel mining.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/26/lawsuit-over-taconite-waste-pits?refid=0
Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:42:01 -0600Judge reduces damages in illegal file sharing caseA federal judge has drastically reduced the damages a Brainerd woman must pay for illegally copying music.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/22/downloading-case?refid=0
Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:09:39 -0600Cirrus Aircraft looking at comeback after a rough few yearsDuluth airplane manufacturer Cirrus Aircraft has been through a couple of very challenging years, but company officials predict a turnaround this year and even a return to profitability.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/21/cirrus-update?refid=0
Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:23:06 -0600Fight against Asian carp suffers new setbacksBackers of an effort to keep destructive Asian carp out of the Great Lakes are pondering their next steps after suffering two setbacks Tuesday.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/19/locks-to-stay-open?refid=0
Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:05:00 -0600Pawlenty announces deal on Lake Vermilion state parkGov. Tim Pawlenty announced Friday that the state has reached an agreement with U.S. Steel to acquire land for a state park at Lake Vermilion in northern Minnesota.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/15/bonding-bill-pawlenty?refid=0
Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:25:12 -0600Mining deal will bring more jobs, environmental concerns to N. Minn.Duluth Metals has announced a partnership with one of the world's leading copper mining companies, a deal that's expected to provide money to start an underground mining project south of Ely.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/14/duluth-mining-deal?refid=0
Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:23:56 -0600Asian carp DNA found closer to Lake MichiganThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says more DNA
from the invasive Asian Carp has been found near Lake Michigan.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/12/more-asian-carp-found-in-chicago-river?refid=0
Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:37:52 -0600Forgotten bag causes security alert at Duluth airportFlights were delayed and the Duluth Airport terminal evacuated after an unattended bag was found near a restroom.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/08/duluth-airport-situation?refid=0
Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:59:57 -0600Locks stay open while U.S. Supreme Court considers Asian carp lawsuitShipping canals near Chicago will stay open at least another week, while the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to consider a lawsuit seeking to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/07/asian-carp-court?refid=0
Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:00:00 -0600Reopened plants mark possible turnaround of taconite industryIncreased demand for steel is providing some welcome relief in northeast Minnesota, where taconite pellet plants are coming back online after one of the worst years in recent memory.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/05/taconite-industry-up?refid=0
Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:22:24 -0600Duluth company converting power line to deliver wind energyA Duluth-based power company has acquired a high-voltage power line and says it will use the line to deliver wind power.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/04/wind-energy-duluth?refid=0
Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:30:00 -0600Duluth mayor optimistic about city's upcoming yearDuluth's Mayor is telling residents the city has turned a corner on its budget problems.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/04/duluth-state-of-city?refid=0
Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:45:08 -0600Development association takes over former Grand Rapids plantA development agency has become the new owner of a 400,000-square-foot plant in Grand Rapids that used to manufacture fiber board.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/01/04/grand-rapids-plant-redevelopment-plan?refid=0
Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:18:08 -0600Judge recommends PUC approval of new Iron Range coal plantAn administrative law judge is recommending the state Public Utilities Commission approve the preferred location for an Iron Range coal-gasification power plant.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/31/power-plant-approval?refid=0
Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:17:06 -0600Virginia apartment fire displaces 70 residentsMore than 70 people were displaced by an apartment fire in the Iron Range town of Virginia Wednesday night.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/31/virginia-fire?refid=0
Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:32:11 -0600Home care agencies providing services despite stormAgencies that provide home health care are maintaining services for hundreds of home bound clients, despite the combination winter storm and holiday.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/24/care-givers-storm?refid=0
Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:40:29 -0600Lawsuit settled over religious discrimination at Mesaba AirlinesA federal judge has approved a settlement in a discrimination lawsuit involving Mesaba Airlines.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/23/mesaba-settlement?refid=0
Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:45:16 -0600The Bentleyville 'Tour of Lights'The Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" annual lighting display has grown so large that this year that founder Nathan Bentley moved it from Cloquet to Duluth's Bayfront Festival Park.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/22/holiday-lights-pictures?refid=0
Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:49:00 -0600Massive Duluth lights show goes greenWith its 14 miles of holiday lights, The Bentleyville "Tour of Lights" in Duluth will burn through 72,000 kilowatts of electricity.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/22/tour-of-lights?refid=0
Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:47:59 -0600Time running out to mail Christmas packagesTime is running out if you still haven't mailed your Christmas cards or presents.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/18/christmas-mail?refid=0
Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:30:00 -0600Lottery for BWCA permits now openPeople planning a trip to northeast Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe area have a shot at hard-to-get permits through a lottery now underway.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/21/bwca-permits?refid=0
Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:18:38 -0600U of M lab may have first terrestrial evidence of dark matterA physics lab deep below the Iron Range may have uncovered the first terrestrial evidence of dark matter.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/17/dark-matter?refid=0
Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:40:24 -0600Study group blames warmer climate for low Great Lakes water levelsA study group blames a warmer climate, and not the St. Clair river, for low water levels on the upper Great Lakes.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/15/great-lakes-water-levels-climate-change?refid=0
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:04:52 -0600In Ely, efforts begin to remove wolves from endangered species listEly is the site of an effort Friday to prod federal officials into removing Minnesota's wolves from the federal endangered species list.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/11/ely-wolves?refid=0
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:30:21 -0600In first public meeting, jobs dominate mining debateLast night supporters of the project converged on the first meeting to address on the environmental affects of the controversial plan.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/10/polymet_jobs?refid=0
Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:26:55 -0600Some different views of the holidaysAround this time of year there are almost as many holiday productions in Minnesota as bodies of water, but if you're looking for something a little different, grab yourself an egg nog, we'll take it from here.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/08/holidayshows?refid=0
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:25:15 -0600US Steel recalling workers to Keewatin plantA union official says U.S. Steel plans to
start recalling laid-off workers to its Keewatin Taconite plant in
northeastern Minnesota starting next week.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/04/keewatin-plant?refid=0
Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:47:23 -0600Qwest closing Duluth call centerFifty-two Qwest employees are losing their jobs at a Duluth directory service call center.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/03/qwest-closing-duluth?refid=0
Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:31:47 -0600Study: Sexual assault against Native American women often overlookedA three-year Duluth study finds Native American women, victimized by sexual assault, tend to get lost and overlooked in the legal system.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/12/02/native-american-assault?refid=0
Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:40:43 -0600Hundreds of miles of trails authorized for off-highway vehiclesThe Superior National Forest is implementing a new Off-Highway Vehicle use plan that authorizes hundreds of miles of new trails for motorized vehicles, and makes others off-limits.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/11/30/ohv-use-plan?refid=0
Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:00:00 -0600Duluth man builds, sells, solar heating window blindsA Duluth area man is hoping he's come up with the next big thing in green energy products. He's selling a heat-collecting window blind he rigged up at home.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/11/30/solar-blinds?refid=0
Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:00:20 -0600Thanksgiving tradition in Duluth now draws thousandsAn army of volunteers is putting the last touches on a Thanksgiving feast for thousands in Duluth. The annual free buffet started 20 years ago as a much smaller event in Superior. Now it draws hundreds of volunteers to cook and serve as many as 5,000 turkey dinners.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/11/25/deccthanksgiving?refid=0
Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0600Dissolved copper may be causing rusting of Duluth harbor steelA new study of rusting steel supports in the Duluth-Superior harbor points to dissolved copper in the water as a contributing factor.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/11/23/duluth-rust-study?refid=0
Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:50:06 -0600Duluth news briefs: Voracious fish, ballast rules and mining delaysA roundup of recent news from the Duluth area.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/11/23/duluthbriefs?refid=0
Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:04:29 -0600Former IronWorld USA attraction in Chisholm shuttering doorsThe Iron Range attraction once known as IronWorld is closing its doors Friday.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/11/19/ironworld-closing?refid=0
Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:56:47 -0600Wisconsin mine may hold key to controversial Minnesota projectA closed Wisconsin mine is playing a prominent role in the ongoing debate over mining for metals like copper and nickel, a debate that's currently raging in Northern Minnesota.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/11/17/flambeau?refid=0
Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:08:15 -0600Proposed Iron Range electric plant takes step forwardA proposed coal gasification power plant on the Iron Range has taken a big step forward, but still needs customers.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/11/16/coal-plant?refid=0
Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:06:22 -0600Hibbing: The recovery that wasn'tThe Hibbing area in northeastern Minnesota has the highest jobless rate of any city in the state. It's also in the center of the state's taconite mining industry. The industry is seeing a mild rebound after a summer shutdown, but so far the upturn has skipped Hibbing.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/11/02/hibbing-stresstest?refid=0
Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0600Court rules Duluth free to change city retiree benefitsA state court has sided with the City of Duluth in a long-standing dispute over the generous health benefits provided to hundreds of retired city workers.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/10/13/duluth-retiree-benefits?refid=0
Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:59:52 -0500Duluth-based health insurance program expandingA small Duluth program providing subsidized health insurance for low-income workers is expanding into much of Northeastern Minnesota.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/10/05/healthshare?refid=0
Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:00:00 -0500Officials releasing environmental review of PolyMetState officials will soon release a long-awaited environmental review of PolyMet Mining's proposed copper and nickel mine in northeast Minnesota.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/10/02/polymet-mining-study?refid=0
Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:45:31 -0500Grand Portage: A model of cooperationOne of the state's more remote attractions is found on Lake Superior's North Shore. The Grand Portage National Monument celebrates the state's fur trading history. It also serves as a bellwether for cooperation between the federal government and American Indians.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/09/25/grandportage?refid=0
Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:00:00 -0500Appeals court rules DNR's iron mine impact study followed lawThe Minnesota Court of Appeals has agreed with a lower court that the DNR followed the law preparing environmental studies for a steel plant in Itasca County.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/09/22/appeals-court-essar?refid=0
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:31:25 -0500State public transit officials meet in DuluthTransit officials from Minnesota and Wisconsin begin meetings in Duluth Monday to share the latest in public bus and other transportation systems.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/09/21/public-transportation-meeting-in-duluth?refid=0
Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:04:39 -0500Feds return wolves to endangered listThe move fulfills a deal made with environmental groups in July, when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service promised to reinstate the wolves' protected status while considering its next move.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/09/16/wolves-endangered?refid=0
Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:58:50 -0500Encroaching trees a safety concern at Duluth airportOfficials in charge of a Duluth airport have to decide how many old trees to sacrifice in a biologically valuable forest for the sake of safety.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/09/08/airport-encroaching-trees?refid=0
Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:00:00 -0500UMD chancellor Kathryn Martin retiringKathryn Martin came to UMD in 1999, becoming the first female chancellor in the University of Minnesota system. Martin says she'll step down next July 31st.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/09/03/umd-chancellor-retiring?refid=0
Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:55:19 -0500Duluth officials hope public can help restore iconDuluth's landmark Enger Tower is showing its age, but the city doesn't have the money to restore it.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/09/01/enger-tower?refid=0
Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0500Coast Guard proposes new standard for ballast rulesThe U.S. Coast Guard Friday published stringent new limits aimed at halting the spread of invasive species arriving in the ballast water of ships.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/08/28/coastguard-ballast-rules?refid=0
Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:59:22 -0500Idled Iron Range miners facing tough timesMinnesota's taconite mining industry is starting to emerge from a downturn, but the rebound is slow to reach the towns of Hibbing and Keewatin, where taconite plants remain on extended shut-down.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/08/20/jobs-iron-range?refid=0
Fri, 21 Aug 2009 03:00:00 -0500Report: No change for state's moose huntA committee considering the plight of Minnesota's dwindling moose herd released recommendations today.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/08/18/moose-recommendations?refid=0
Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:45:34 -0500Cirrus Aircraft doubles sales over previous quarterDuluth airplane manufacturer Cirrus Aircraft reports second quarter sales more than doubled the pace of this year's first quarter.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/08/14/cirrus-aircraft-sales?refid=0
Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:47:56 -0500Oberstar: stalled legislation could have helped stranded passengersThe chair of the House Transportation Committee says legislation that could help stranded airline passengers remains stuck in the U.S. Senate.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/08/12/oberstar-says-legislation-would-have-helped-stranded-airline-passengers?refid=0
Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:32:32 -0500Hibbing-Chisholm airport adds third daily flightCongressman Jim Oberstar has announced federal support for a third daily commercial flight out of the Hibbing-Chisholm airport.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/08/12/hibbing-chilsom-airport-adds-third-daily-flight?refid=0
Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:15:48 -0500Researchers want public's help in studying mooseUniversity of Minnesota, Duluth researchers have set up a new Web site to enlist the public's help in tracking the state's moose population.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/08/11/moose-survey?refid=0
Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:49:48 -0500School districts struggle to pay retirees' health benefitsSome Minnesota school districts may have to go into debt to pay for the rising cost of health care for their retired employees. But some are unhappy about paying higher taxes to fund someone else's health benefits.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/07/21/retiree_bonding?refid=0
Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:55:53 -0500Shipping at Duluth port slowest in over 70 yearsA Duluth port official says shipping has slowed to levels not seen since the 1930s.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/07/21/duluth_port?refid=0
Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:35:13 -0500Duluth shooting may have stemmed from argument over dogDuluth police describe a chaotic scene where one man was killed and another was wounded by gunfire late Sunday night at a residence near Duluth's downtown.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/07/13/duluth_shooting2?refid=0
Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:58:53 -0500Northern Minn. police prepare for Hells Angels visitPolice officials in northern Minnesota are holding public meetings this week to inform residents about a visit from the Hells Angels motorcycle club later this month.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/07/13/hellsangels?refid=0
Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:00:00 -0500Duluth airplane parts company hiring back laid-off workersWhile manufacturing companies around the country are slashing workforces, a Duluth airplane parts maker is rehiring.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/07/07/northstar_aerospace?refid=0
Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:41:11 -0500Construction of Duluth's new airport terminal building beginsSite preparation work begins Monday for Duluth's new $65 million airport terminal building.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/07/06/duluth_airport?refid=0
Mon, 06 Jul 2009 06:53:35 -0500Duluth waterfront expecting heavy traffic over holiday weekendDuluth officials are asking weekend visitors to park downtown to avoid congestion near the city's waterfront this weekend.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/07/02/duluth_harbor?refid=0
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:00:00 -0500Hibbing mine extends shutdown into 2010Cliffs Natural Resources announced the ongoing shutdown at the Hibbing mine will extend through the first quarter of 2010.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/07/02/hibbing_taconite_shutdown?refid=0
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:04:46 -0500No takers yet for Duluth domestic partner registryDuluth's domestic partner registration program began today with little fanfare and even less turnout.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/06/22/duluth_domestic_partner?refid=0
Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:47:43 -0500Volunteers taking on Duluth city servicesAs Duluth struggles to provide city services under ever-tighter budgets, volunteers and nonprofits are picking up the slack.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/06/18/duluth_volunteers?refid=0
Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:00:00 -0500Spraying begins against gypsy moth in nothern MinnesotaSpraying is underway today along the north shore of Lake Superior to combat the gypsy moth, a pest that can defoliate large tracts of forest, hitting aspen and oak trees especially hard.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/06/15/gypsy_moth?refid=0
Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:10:15 -0500Wind power boosts business at Duluth portThe arrival of the ocean going ship BBC Amazon Monday has provided work for some Duluth port workers who've otherwise seen a slow season. Several taconite ships are idled in the port, at dock since late last fall.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/06/09/wind_power_duluth_shipping?refid=0
Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:29:33 -0500New mining opportunities in northern Minn. pose environmental concernsNorthern Minnesota may be on the verge of a major expansion of its mining industry. A key environmental study of PolyMet Corporation's plan to mine copper and nickel is expected in the coming months, but many remain opposed to this kind of mining.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/06/03/acidmining?refid=0
Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:00:00 -0500Cirrus Design rehires 50 employeesThe Duluth-based company says it's bringing back those employees because of strong demand for its aircraft, both domestically and overseas.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/06/01/cirrus_rehires?refid=0
Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:25:28 -0500Taconite tailings find second life in road constructionMinnesota has long shipped taconite pellets to steel-makers outside the state. Now there may be a market for the rock left over from the mining process.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/05/29/taconite_tailings_road_construction?refid=0
Fri, 29 May 2009 06:48:20 -0500PUC pulls plug on coal gasification plantThe Public Utilities Commission has pulled the plug on a proposed Iron Range coal gasification power plant.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/05/28/coalgasplant?refid=0
Thu, 28 May 2009 16:10:29 -0500Burning restrictions eased in northern MinnesotaState fire officials are lifting burning restrictions in most central and northern Minnesota counties today. Officials say the spring greenup has moved north, while rain has replenished some of the lacking moisture.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/05/26/fire_restrictions_eased?refid=0
Tue, 26 May 2009 07:23:43 -0500Short-range travel destinations have high hopes for summerPeople in Minnesota's tourism industry are guardedly optimistic the summer travel season will pay off. Many of the state's hotels, resorts and destinations are counting on short-range travel from the Twin Cities to keep the cash registers ringing - despite what could have been a staggering blow from the economy.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/05/25/tourism_outlook?refid=0
Mon, 25 May 2009 13:59:17 -0500Duluth school officials in court today over facilities planDuluth school officials will be in court today, facing a opponents of the district's long-range facilities plan. They accuse the district of making a sweetheart deal with a consulting and engineering firm.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/05/21/duluth_school_fight?refid=0
Fri, 22 May 2009 03:00:00 -0500Minn. BCA investigates fatal shooting in Cook CountyThe Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating a fatal shooting by law officers in Cook County on Tuesday.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/05/06/cook_county_shooting?refid=0
Wed, 06 May 2009 10:04:33 -0500Northshore Mining extends shutdownTaconite producer Cliffs Natural Resources has extended a shutdown at its Northshore Mining company in Babbitt and Silver Bay.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/05/05/northshore_shutdown?refid=0
Tue, 05 May 2009 16:02:57 -0500Paper mill plans expansion in CloquetSappi Paper is considering an expansion of its mill in Cloquet, which would almost triple the plant's paper output.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/05/05/sappi_expands?refid=0
Tue, 05 May 2009 15:58:23 -0500Duluth schools proceed with controversial facilities planThe Duluth School District is spending tens of thousands of dollars to work up a district facilities plan it has no intention of using. It's the latest twist in an ongoing skirmish over how to much to spend to fix up Duluth's aging school buildings.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/05/01/duluth_schoolplans?refid=0
Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500Passenger rail topic of MnDOT public meeting tonight in DuluthSupporters of a Duluth passenger rail line will turn out tonight for a state transportation open house in Duluth.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/04/29/duluth_open_house?refid=0
Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:24:52 -0500St. Lawrence Seaway turns 50 amid controversyFifty years ago next Sunday, an oceangoing ship arrived in the Duluth-Superior harbor for the first time -- thanks to the just-opened St. Lawrence Seaway. Critics say it was a colossal mistake -- an open invitation to destructive and aggressive plants and animals from overseas.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/04/27/seaway?refid=0
Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500Duluth told to restructure retiree benefits managementThe State Department of Commerce says Duluth's deeply under-funded insurance program for retiree health care has been out of compliance with state governance requirements. Now, Duluth will have to change how it manages and invests retiree benefits.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/04/22/duluth_retiree_benefits?refid=0
Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:00:57 -0500Minnesota rich in valuable minerals - and potential pollutionNew mineral exploration suggests that Minnesota holds a world-class deposit of metals such as copper, nickel, platinum and palladium.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/04/20/nonferrous?refid=0
Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500Study: Iron mining 34 percent of northeast Minn. economyA new study by University of Minnesota-Duluth says iron mining is the clear economic driver in Northeast Minnesota.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/04/15/mining_economy?refid=0
Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:43:33 -0500Duluth's top administrator leaving, againDuluth's top administrator, who was once fired from that job with a note tacked to his door, is leaving the city again. This time, however, Mark Winson's departure is voluntarily.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/04/14/duluth_adminstrator?refid=0
Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:18:40 -0500Museum leaders launch plan to save 80-year-old institutionJust seven years ago, the Duluth Children's Museum was on the verge of closing. The museum resides in an old railroad depot downtown, and after years of financial struggles, museum leaders have an ambitious plan to save the nearly 80-year-old institution.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/04/07/childrens_museum?refid=0
Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:44:15 -0500Duluth airport fears losing $7 million in stimulus fundingDuluth airport officials need to secure about $5 million in state matching money to receive about $7 million in federal stimulus funding. So far, the Minnesota House has refused to go along.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/04/02/duluthairport?refid=0
Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:00:40 -0500Fed money stimulates construction of NE MN physics labStimulus money will fund dozens of jobs to build a big physics experiment in northeast Minnesota.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/03/26/physicslab?refid=0
Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:30:31 -0500Ice storm knocks out power, damages parks in northeast Minn.While people in northwestern Minnesota struggle with floodwaters rising on the ground, the northeastern part of the state is coping with a watery assault from above. Three days of freezing rain have coated the landscape with ice that's more than an inch thick in some places.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/03/25/ice_storm_minnesota?refid=0
Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:45:00 -0500Big Iron Range steel project still going -- for nowSeveral elected officials are downplaying reports that a large northern Minnesota steel-making project is in trouble.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/03/20/essar?refid=0
Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:10:00 -0500Ag officials plan more spraying for gypsy mothsOnce established, the moths could defoliate large tracts of aspen and birch forest along Lake Superior's North Shore.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/03/18/lake_superior_gypsy_moths?refid=0
Wed, 18 Mar 2009 07:23:57 -0500Judge throws out lawsuit over fish virusA lawsuit aimed at keeping a deadly fish disease out of Lake Superior has been tossed out of federal court.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/03/16/fishdisease_lawsuit?refid=0
Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:42:16 -0500New ballast rules could take toll on Wis. shippingWisconsin is poised to become the next Great Lakes state with its own rules for ballast water in ships, and critics say it could kill the overseas shipping business.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/03/13/wisconsin_ballast?refid=0
Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500Wisconsin man salvages printing presses and builds a second careerWhat do you do when all of a sudden you're out of a job? About 20 years ago, Mike Coughlin was fired from his position as a magazine editor in St. Paul. So, Coughlin turned to what he knew and what he loved. But that involved trying to pay the rent with a bunch of machinery that he'd rescued from the scrap heap of printing history.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/03/10/printers?refid=0
Wed, 11 Mar 2009 03:00:00 -0500Another mining company announces cutbacksAnother taconite mining company is announcing cutbacks -- this time in the Iron Range city of Virginia, Minn.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/03/03/mining_cutback?refid=0
Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:25:06 -0600MnDOT to shore up road over abandoned mine shaftsThe federal stimulus package provides funding for shovel-ready infrastructure projects, and in Minnesota one of those projects involves protecting the public from hazards left over from shoveling long ago.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/02/27/minetunnelhighway?refid=0
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 03:00:00 -0600Agencies debate while mine pit fillsRising water worries residents of Iron Range town, while officials debate solution.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/02/24/canisteo_pit_problem?refid=0
Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:00:00 -0600More mining layoffs hit Iron RangeTwo more Iron Range mines are facing layoffs. Hibbing Taconite is cutting production, and planning a lengthy shut down, while Northshore Mining will shut down production for a month.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/02/24/more_mining_layoffs_in_hit_iron_range?refid=0
Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:29:30 -0600Lawmakers to mull restrictions on sulfide miningThe fight is on over sulfide metals mining in northern Minnesota. A bill introduced at the Capitol today could put new restrictions on mining for metals like copper and nickel.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/02/19/mining?refid=0
Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:54:03 -0600Conversation leads to controversy between board and bandTensions are heating up between St. Louis County Commissioners and the county's two Ojibwe communities. County officials are concerned about a loss of taxable land to the bands, and a band leader is accusing some commissioners of bias.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/02/12/fon_du_lac_controversy_saint_louis_county?refid=0
Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:52:51 -0600Iron Range hoping stimulus jumpstarts mining industryWith the taconite industry in the dumps, many people on Minnesota's Iron Range are eagerly awaiting a federal stimulus package. Already one taconite company has shut down production and others have trimmed workers. In Minnesota, the Iron Range might be one of the first beneficiaries of a stimulus.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/02/09/iron_range_workers_hopeful_for_stimulus_help?refid=0
Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:00:00 -0600Duluth braces for LGA cutsDuluth officials are trying to come to terms with their most recent budget crisis -- cuts in Local Government Aid announced this week by Governor Pawlenty. Even though the cuts are not as big as once anticipated, city officials say they have little left to cut after struggling to fix the budget last year.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/01/30/duluth_lga?refid=0
Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:15:52 -0600Forum to address Superior shipping concernsConcerns over Lake Superior shipping will be aired in a Superior, Wis. forum this afternoon.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/01/30/superios_shipping?refid=0
Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:30:18 -0600Duluth agrees to hand off zoo to non-profitDuluth's city zoo will soon be run by a non-profit organization. The Duluth council has agreed to turn zoo operations over to the Lake Superior Zoological Society.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/01/27/duluth_zoo?refid=0
Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:14:41 -0600Duluth grappling with pricey, inefficient retiree health plansDuluth continues to struggle with costly health benefits for retired city workers, which threaten to gobble up the city budget. The mayor would like to move the retirees to a less costly plan, but three former workers filed suit last year to prevent changes to their benefits.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/01/23/duluthretirees?refid=0
Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:00:00 -0600Lake Superior 'love nest' aims to save sturgeon populationAn effort to help Lake Superior sturgeon become self-sustaining is entering a critical phase. Sturgeon were nearly wiped out in the big lake about a century ago. Crews have been busy this winter, trying to build the perfect sturgeon love nest.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/01/14/superiorsturgeon?refid=0
Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600Cirrus Design makes another round of job cutsDuluth aircraft manufacturer Cirrus Design has trimmed another 50 jobs, in addition to some 200 cut last year.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/01/08/cirrus_morecuts?refid=0
Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:08:42 -0600Duluth mayor outlines budget challengesThe 2009 State of the City address from Duluth Mayor Don Ness gives some cues about how that city will deal with its budget challenges. Duluth's budget was in tough shape even before the state announced cuts to city funding.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/01/05/duluth_budget_don_ness?refid=0
Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:48:56 -0600Census workers hard to findDespite the poor economy, the U.S. Census is having trouble recruiting workers for the 2010 count. Census managers in Minnesota say they're far behind their hiring goals so far.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2009/01/02/duluth_censusworkers?refid=0
Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:03:10 -0600Slowing economy has some ships tying up early for winterThere are still a couple of weeks left in the Great Lakes shipping season. But the recession is drying up business, and a number of Great Lakes ships have already called it quits, tying up for winter early.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/12/30/slowing_economy_has_some_ships_tying_up_early_for_winter?refid=0
Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0600Voyageurs prepares for new concealed weapon ruleThe chief ranger at Voyageurs
National Park says park staff are wary of a rule change that will
allow concealed weapons into the park next month.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/12/23/concealed_weapons_voyageurs_national_park?refid=0
Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:28:08 -0600Nature Conservancy adds 3,000 more acresThe Nature Conservancy has purchased more than 3,000 forested acres in two northern Minnesota counties.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/12/19/nature_conservancy?refid=0
Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:38:37 -0600Family says man charged in Gunflint wildfire loved MinnesotaThe man accused of starting the Ham Lake fire is being remembered as someone who cherished the area he allegedly set ablaze. According to his lawyer, Stephen Posniak committed suicide Tuesday at his Washington D.C. home.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/12/17/family_says_man_charged_in_gunflint_wildfire_loved_minnesota?refid=0
Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:20:06 -0600Judge denies border agent request to move case to federal courtA Border Patrol agent facing traffic charges has lost an effort to have her case moved from state court to Federal court.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/12/17/judge_denies_border_agent_request_to_move_case_to_federal_court?refid=0
Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:30:00 -0600City budget pinch squeezing Duluth zooDuluth continues to struggle with budget problems, and now the public housing for the polar bear, primates and other critters at the city zoo may be at risk.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/12/15/duluthzoo?refid=0
Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:06:03 -0600Attorney says Border Patrol agent not at faultThe attorney for the Border Patrol agent accused in the death of a resident north of Grand Marais, says the case should be closed.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/12/10/border_patrol?refid=0
Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:05:04 -0600Duluth's aviation industry comes down to earthDuluth's aircraft industry is starting to hurt. Duluth-based Cirrus Design makes the nation's top selling small airplane, the SR-22. But airplane sales aren't recession-proof, and reduced demand is affecting other spinoff industries in the region.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/12/08/aviation_slump?refid=0
Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:28:00 -0600Wildlife experts discuss plight of Minn. mooseThe Minnesota Department of Natural Resources hosts a Duluth conference today on troubles with the state's moose herd.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/12/08/minn_moose?refid=0
Mon, 08 Dec 2008 08:15:04 -0600U.S. Steel laying off 400 at Keewatin plantHundreds of workers at the taconite plant in Keewatin are wondering how long the layoff will last this time. U.S. Steel has announced it will idle the Keewatin plant, laying off close to 400 workers.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/12/02/us_steel_laying_off_400_at_keewatin_plant?refid=0
Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:00:00 -0600Layoffs loom as Iron Range feels pinch of tough economyThe Iron Range is beginning to feel the pain of worldwide economic downturn. At least half the state's six mining companies expect layoffs.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/11/26/range_metals?refid=0
Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:00:00 -0600Federal court affirms right to regulate ballast waterMinnesota's new ballast regulations are getting support from a Federal Appeals Court ruling.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/11/25/ballast?refid=0
Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:38:49 -0600Accused fire starter asks court to throw out police interviewThe attorney for the man accused of starting the Ham Lake fire is asking a court to throw out an interview he did with police, saying the man was not read his Miranda rights.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/11/24/ham_lake_defense?refid=0
Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:04:08 -0600Pilot program tests health coverage in DuluthA new program could provide health coverage for thousands of small business employees in northeastern Minnesota.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/11/19/pilot_duluth?refid=0
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:01:29 -0600Tough economy could create highway hazardsHard economic times could mean dangerous times on Minnesota highways. Auto mechanics say cash-strapped customers are putting off necessary auto maintenance. And, with few people buying new cars, mechanics say they're seeing a lot more older cars coming through their shops, cars that in some cases have been pulled out of retirement.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/11/11/tough_economy_car_neglect?refid=0
Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:00:00 -0600Cliff's warns of possible layoffs on Iron RangeCliff's Natural Resources has notified federal officials it could lay off workers at two Minnesota taconite mining companies, and two more in Michigan.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/11/07/cliffslayoff_notices?refid=0
Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:21:44 -0600Oberstar says he's unlikely to accept White House jobRep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., said it's unlikely he would accept an offer to serve as U.S. Secretary of Transportation. But the eighth district Democrat is stopping short of saying he'd turn down the job.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/11/06/oberstar_sec?refid=0
Thu, 06 Nov 2008 07:36:13 -0600Cities paying more to borrow moneyThere are signs the tight municipal bond markets are loosening up, which would be good news for local governments. Public agencies from Minnesota cities to sewer districts to schools, rely on bonds to finance things like new buildings and equipment.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/10/30/duluth_citydebt?refid=0
Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:02:58 -0500Furnaces at two taconite mines idled by downturn in steel marketLayoffs are coming on the Iron Range. Taconite producer Cliffs Natural Resources announced today it's curtailing production at two northeast Minnesota taconite plants.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/10/28/iron_range_mines_idled?refid=0
Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:06:20 -0500Group challenges ballast water regulationsAn environmental group is challenging the state's new permitting process for ballast water from ships.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/10/24/ballast_challenge?refid=0
Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:00:16 -0500Iron Range gives Clinton warm welcomeThe traditionally DFL Iron Range welcomed Hillary Clinton last night, in a campaign rally for Democrat Presidential candidate Barack Obama.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/10/22/hillary_hibbing?refid=0
Wed, 22 Oct 2008 06:22:55 -0500Lack of a vote a year ago may imperil Duluth school levyA proposed Duluth school levy faces a potential backlash from residents who are angry because they never got to vote last year on an expensive, long-range facilities plan.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/10/16/duluth_levy?refid=0
Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0500Todd Palin talks the Second Amendment in MinnesotaA crowd of a thousand or more crammed the parking lot of a Duluth sporting goods store to welcome Todd Palin, husband of Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. In staunchly Democratic territory, Todd Palin rallied with Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman and The National Rifle Association's Wayne LaPierre.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/10/16/todd_palin_minnesota?refid=0
Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:47:40 -0500Minnesota Power customers upset over rate hike proposalSome northeast Minnesota residents are charged up over a plan to hike electric rates. Duluth-based Minnesota power is proposing price increases that, in percentage terms, will hit low income households and small businesses a lot harder than big industries.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/10/10/mnpowerrates?refid=0
Mon, 13 Oct 2008 01:00:00 -0500Duluth city officials being investigatedTwo city of Duluth finance officials are on administrative leave and under investigation by the city.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/10/10/duluth_investigation?refid=0
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:48:35 -0500Minnesota Power customers object to proposed rate increaseMany Minnesota Power customers argued against a proposed 9.5 percent rate increase during a hearing in Duluth Thursday.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/10/03/mn_power?refid=0
Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:24:25 -0500Essar Steel breaks ground on Nashwauk plantOfficials have broken ground on a new
$1.6 billion steel plant in northern Minnesota. The facility will be the first mine-to-steelmaking plant in North America.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/09/19/steelplantopens?refid=0
Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:30:00 -0500Border Patrol says its mission is misunderstoodThe Border Patrol's leader in Grand Marais says the agency's reputation has suffered because of public misunderstanding of its mission.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/09/18/on_patrol?refid=0
Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:29:05 -0500Border Patrol under fire in Grand MaraisThe Border Patrol finds itself in the public cross-hairs in Grand Marais. The federal law enforcement agency was already on the defensive over plans two years ago to build a new regional post and detainment compound. Now, a Border Patrol agent stands accused of criminal traffic violations in a fatal accident last fall.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/09/16/border_patrol_under_fire?refid=0
Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0500Duluth airport to receive $6 million to start upgradesDuluth is getting more than $6 million in federal money for airport upgrades. Most of the money will go towards rebuilding a cross-wind runway that is in bad shape.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/09/12/duluth?refid=0
Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:20:58 -0500Renewable fuel plant would create jobs, coal alternativeAccording to one of Minnesota's biggest mine operators their new project will bring jobs, help support the ailing timber industry and provide a much cleaner-burning substitute for coal.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/09/10/renewable_fuel?refid=0
Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:00:15 -0500Judge allows Duluth to lay off workersA St. Louis County judge has ruled that the City of Duluth can lay off full-time employees.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/09/04/duluthlayoffs?refid=0
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500Franken outlines stimulus packageAl Franken used a Labor Day picnic in Duluth to launch a proposal for a multi-billion dollar stimulus package. The money would be spent on infrastructure and railroads.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/09/01/frankenstimulus?refid=0
Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:49:06 -0500Duluth tries to trim budget hole with civic yard saleThe City of Duluth, which is facing a large budget crisis, is considering selling part of its cultural and natural heritage to settle the budget gap.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/08/21/duluthforsale?refid=0
Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:10:10 -0500Iron Range energy project dealt another setbackThe Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has dealt an Iron Range power project a setback.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/08/15/excelsiorsetback?refid=0
Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:53:05 -0500New sesquicentennial license plates unveiledMinnesota's new sesquicentennial license plate was unveiled today in Duluth.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/08/13/special_license_plate?refid=0
Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:12:11 -0500High gas prices pumping up northeastern campgroundsHigh gas prices might be a good thing for campgrounds in Northeast Minnesota.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/08/12/camping?refid=0
Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500Judge may grant new trial in music downloading caseAn historic online music file sharing case could be thrown out by the presiding judge.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/08/04/filesharing?refid=0
Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:46:43 -0500Duluth explores options for combining police and fireDuluth's police officers are feeling the squeeze from the city's tight budget. The city's police department is working short-staffed at a time when crime seems to be on the rise.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/07/30/duluth_police?refid=0
Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:16:46 -0500Tough times for regional dollar storesRising costs hit dollar storeshttp://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/07/24/dollar_stores?refid=0
Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:10:00 -0500Taconite plant to receive clean retrofitCleveland Cliffs Corporation says it's planning modifications at its United Taconite plant in Forbes, Minn. that will increase production while decreasing air emissions.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/07/23/united_forbes?refid=0
Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:46:42 -0500Spraying begins against the gypsy mothAirplanes begin spraying parts of Lake and Cook county this week for the highly destructive forest pest gypsy moths. The chemical confuses them to disrupt mating, but is harmless to humans and other animals.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/07/21/gypsy_moth?refid=0
Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:40:01 -0500Duluth air show draws fans and foesThe Duluth air show this weeked will draw fans and foes of military aircraft.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/07/17/airshow?refid=0
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500Mining giant Cleveland Cliffs gets bigger with mergerMinnesota's biggest mining company has just gotten bigger. Ohio-based Cleveland-Cliffs has announced a merger that will add dozens of coal mines to its portfolio.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/07/16/cliffsmerger?refid=0
Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:16:15 -0500PolyMet land deal upsets environmental groupsOpponents say Congressman Jim Oberstar's bill to allow the sale of Superior National Forest property would circumvent environmental laws to benefit a special interest.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/07/11/polymet_land?refid=0
Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500Split Rock gets a faceliftSplit Rock Lighthouse has withstood everything Lake Superior could throw at it for almost a century. Now, just short of the landmark's centennial, this popular North Shore attraction is getting a badly needed facelift.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/07/04/splitrock_renovation?refid=0
Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500Ballast water discharge permits open for public commentA public comment period has opened for Minnesota's new ballast water discharge permit for ships. The state will require permits for most of the ships calling on Minnesota ports like Duluth.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/07/02/ballast?refid=0
Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:42:48 -0500Duluth needs to slash millions from city budgetMayor Don Ness is proposing cuts to services including firefighting, neighborhood recreation, and subsidies to facilities like the Great Lakes Aquarium and the zoo.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/07/01/duluth_budget?refid=0
Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0500Mining company penalized for landfill violationsNorthshore Mining Co. has paid more than $37,000 in fines for discharge violations at its landfill in Silver Bay.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/06/30/landfill?refid=0
Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:07:27 -0500Range boom triggers housing concernsA new study points to a potential big housing boom on the Iron Range -- if a handful of large new mining and power projects take off.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/06/24/rangeboom?refid=0
Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:33:24 -0500Mattress recycling keeps box springs out of the landfillOne of the bigger problems for landfills is as close as the bedroom. Mattresses and box springs take up a lot of room, and the springs create problems for landfill equipment.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/06/23/mattress_recycling?refid=0
Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:00:00 -0500Duluth bridge traffic changes directionA single traffic lane shifts direction today on the Blatnik bridge between Duluth and Superior. The bridge is undergoing emergency repairs to its gusset plates, closing down three of the bridge's four lanes.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/06/23/blatnik?refid=0
Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:26:29 -0500Duluth doctor remembers his service in a MASHA Duluth doctor recalls serving in an Army MASH unit in the Korean War. His experience was similar to the popular M*A*S*H television show of the 1970s.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/05/23/jsanderson_mash?refid=0
Mon, 26 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500Out of ashesA year after the Ham Lake fire was officially declared contained, Lutheran wilderness camp rebuilds.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/05/20/gunflint_fire_anniversary?refid=0
Tue, 20 May 2008 16:17:17 -0500Money for Lake Vermilion state park survives sessionGov. Tim Pawlenty strongly supported the $20 million Lake Vermilion state park package, but it found less support from some of the people who live nearby.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/05/19/lake_vermilion_state_park?refid=0
Mon, 19 May 2008 16:09:15 -0500New hints for Duluth's harbor rust mysteryNew discoveries narrow the investigation into Duluth harbor rust. Aggressive corrosion, discovered just a couple of years ago, has caused extensive damage below the water line.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/05/12/rust_studies?refid=0
Mon, 12 May 2008 15:00:00 -0500Duluth-Superior bridge to partially close for repairsMnDOT has shut down two lanes on one of the major bridges between Duluth and Superior Wisconsin.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/05/06/duluthbridge?refid=0
Tue, 06 May 2008 14:05:18 -0500Saving the sand-bottom poolNew pool rules could endanger popular sand-bottom pools in communities around the state.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/05/01/sand_bottom_pool?refid=0
Fri, 02 May 2008 00:56:02 -0500U.S. House passes bill requiring ballast water treatmentThe U.S. House has passed a measure that for the first time would require oceangoing ships to treat ballast water. The water is blamed for carrying hundreds of exotic species like zebra mussels to U.S. ports.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/04/25/us_ballast?refid=0
Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:01:54 -0500Opponents line up against proposed Canada oil pipelineA new oil pipeline proposed in northern Minnesota is getting resistance from an unusual direction. Opponents say the large pipeline would contribute significantly to global warming -- not so much from the oil itself, but for how the oil is extracted in Canada.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/04/18/oilpipeline?refid=0
Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:00:00 -0500Minn. officials discuss plans for water ballast permitsFederal environmental officials are not happy with Minnesota plans to issue ballast water permits for ships. The MPCA's draft ballast permit was discussed in a two hour hearing the agency held in Duluth.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/04/17/ballast_permits?refid=0
Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:42:24 -0500Chisholm waits to learn the future of its reservation centerPeople in the Iron Range town of Chisholm, Minn., are watching the Delta-Northwest acquisition news with great interest. More than 500 people work at Northwest's Chisholm Reservation Center. Some of the town's residents are confident those Iron Range jobs are secure; while others are more guarded.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/04/15/chisholm?refid=0
Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500Pine County arson victims wrestle with next stepsPine County authorities are offering $5,000 for information into who set multiple cabins on fire on and near Big Pine Lake.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/04/14/pine2?refid=0
Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:00:00 -0500Boat owners could face permits for water dischargeEvery boat from cabin cruisers to canoes would have to carry a new permit as a result of a court fight over ballast water discharged from big ships.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/04/10/boat_permits?refid=0
Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:56:35 -0500Some resort owners say high gas prices are good for businessRising gas prices could be a good thing for northeast Minnesota resorts, but many in the region's tourism industry expect little change in business as prices soar at the pump.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/04/04/gasresorters?refid=0
Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:54:54 -0500Duluth school district remodeling plan draws fireA state lawmaker from Duluth is asking the Legislature not to approve, but to stop, a public works project in his district.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/04/03/duluth?refid=0
Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:36:33 -0500FAA to testify before Oberstar's Transportation CommitteeThe House Transportation Committee will investigate what Oberstar calls a "culture of coziness" between airlines and the FAA.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/04/01/oberstar_faa?refid=0
Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:45:06 -0500Judge orders DNR to take additional steps to protect lynxA Federal judge has ruled that the Minnesota DNR will have to take additional steps to protect the endangered Canada lynx from trapping.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/04/01/lynx?refid=0
Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:00:37 -0500Fighting the VHS fish virusMinnesota officials stepping up efforts against VHS fish disease.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/04/01/fighting_vhs_disease?refid=0
Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:07 -0500Popular Gunflint lodge burns downA popular lodge on the upper reaches of the Gunflint Trail has burned.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/03/27/gunflint?refid=0
Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:32:15 -0500Hundred of fans welcome Clooney, Zellweger to DuluthHundreds of fans greeted movie stars George Clooney and Renee Zellweger in downtown Duluth today.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/03/24/duluthvisit?refid=0
Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:48:30 -0500Coal gasification financing still elusive, despite help from carbon concernsFinancing remains elusive for Excelsior Energy's 600-megawatt coal gasification plant on Minnesota's Iron Range, despite a tail wind from concerns about carbon.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/03/20/coal_gas?refid=0
Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:56:56 -0500Cabin owners surprised by big increase in taxesSt. Louis County is asking the state to reconsider a big tax increase for people who lease public property for hunting or lake cabins. For some, the hike could put the family lake cabin at risk.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/03/12/cabintaxes?refid=0
Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:25:51 -0500State plans to treat 85,000 acres for gypsy mothsIf allowed to spread, the moths are capable of stripping leaves from wide tracts of forests.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/03/11/gypsy_moths?refid=0
Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:46:18 -0500State officials consider ballast discharge permitState pollution officials have begun developing a permitting process for ships that discharge ballast water in Minnesota's waters.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/03/04/ballast?refid=0
Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:28:38 -0600Critical habitat for lynx considered in ArrowheadThe endangered cat's protected habitat could grow to 8,000 square miles in the Arrowhead.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/02/29/lynx?refid=0
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:06:34 -0600Wisconsin drawing up ballast water rulesWisconsin's DNR is moving ahead with regulations intended to stop the spread of non-native plants and animals carried in ballast.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/02/29/wisconsin_ballast_water?refid=0
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:15:38 -0600Another push for Duluth to Minneapolis rail servicePublic officials from Minneapolis to Duluth have formed an alliance to start passenger rail service between the Twin Cities and the Twin Ports. A feasibility study says a high-speed passenger train could make millions of dollars, especially if it's routed close to a popular casino in Hinckley.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/02/22/duluthrail?refid=0
Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:12:37 -0600Birkebeiner skiiers look forward to ideal conditionsConditions are ideal for the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race, which takes place Saturday from Cable to Hayward, Wisconsin.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/02/22/birkebeiner?refid=0
Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:04:29 -0600MPCA draws up ballast water regulationsMinnesota's Pollution Control Agency is trying to stop ships from transporting non-native organisms like zebra mussels to the state's waters.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/02/18/ballast?refid=0
Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600Wood pellets heat up forest products industryWood pellet producers are popping up in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin as the price of conventional heating fuels rises.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/02/13/wood_pellets?refid=0
Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:24:57 -0600Leaky sewer pipes top priority for Duluth mayorDuluth's new mayor is finding the city's leaky sewers his first major challenge.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/02/11/duluthpipes?refid=0
Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:00:18 -0600New laws prompt officials to tour the borderNew border restrictions have prompted a tour of Twin Cities based lawmakers to Duluth and International Falls.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/02/06/crossing?refid=0
Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:40:32 -0600Lawmakers to weigh mining jobs against sulfuric acidMinnesota's prospects for expanding the mining industry get a hearing before state lawmakers Friday afternoon. Legislators will weigh the benefits of large scale mining for gold and other metals against predictions of dire environmental consequences.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/01/24/gold?refid=0
Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:00:00 -0600Protecting Minnesota's changing northern forestsForest researchers in the region agree that global warming is going to have a big effect on Minnesota's northern boreal forest. One researcher says we might need more hands-on forest management to keep a healthy forest in place.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/01/21/forests?refid=0
Mon, 21 Jan 2008 10:28:59 -0600Crews continue to work on freeing ship stuck in Duluth-Superior HarborCrews are pumping water out of the ship that sprung a leak Monday in the Duluth-Superior harbor. The Walter J. McCarthy's engine room flooded after the ship struck an unidentified object under water while docking in Superior.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/01/16/ship?refid=0
Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:20:43 -0600Ship runs aground, sinks in Duluth-Superior HarborA 1,000 foot lake freighter is aground in the Duluth-Superior Harbor. The Walter J. McCarthy Jr. took on water and sank Monday while docking for the winter. The ships is resting on the bottom in about 20 feet of water. Meanwhile, crews are scrambling to get water out of the ship before it freezes in sub-zero temperatures.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/01/15/sink?refid=0
Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:46:20 -0600Solo the bear and her cubs moved to MichiganA one-eared female bear and her cubs are on their way to a Michigan wildlife sanctuary, but not before someone tried to dislodge the trio from their den with pepper spray.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/01/14/bears?refid=0
Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:20:32 -0600Feds cut $270 million from NE Minnesota research projectThe people planning a $270 million physics experiment in northeast Minnesota got an unhappy surprise just before Christmas. The NOvA project was cut from a federal spending bill that passed Congress a couple of weeks ago.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/01/10/soudan?refid=0
Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:00:00 -0600Duluth officials reduce projected budget shortfallDuluth officials say they've reduced the projected shortfall in the city's health care plan by more than $30 million, but the funding gap over the long term is still an estimated $270 million.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/01/08/duluth_health?refid=0
Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:52:15 -0600New Duluth mayor to be sworn in Monday nightDuluth Mayor-elect Don Ness will be sworn into office tonight at a ceremony at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/01/07/duluth_mayor?refid=0
Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:52:28 -0600Herb Bergson's legacyHerb Bergson's time as Duluth mayor is coming to an end. Bergson's four-year term has been over-shadowed by a city government in financial crisis. He faced his own personal crisis in office. But he's also made progress against a huge city debt.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/12/21/bergsonlegacy?refid=0
Thu, 27 Dec 2007 03:00:00 -0600Cliffs says it will join state studyCleveland Cliffs Corp. has dropped its plans to conduct an independent study into the potential health effects of mineral fibers on miners and other residents. Instead, they will participate in a state-sponsored study being conducted by the University of Minnesota.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/12/17/mesomeeting?refid=0
Tue, 18 Dec 2007 03:00:00 -0600Mayors tell candidates to make the Great Lakes a priorityMayors and leaders from the Great Lakes
states and Canada want candidates in the 2008 elections to make the waterways a priority.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/12/14/greatlakes?refid=0
Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:38:21 -0600Duluth considers changes in new rental ordinanceDuluth is reconsidering a recently passed ordinace that places restrictions on student rentals.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/12/12/duluthrental?refid=0
Fri, 14 Dec 2007 01:00:00 -0600Critics voice concerns at Iron Range power plant EIS meetingThe critics ruled at a public meeting for a proposed Iron Range power plant Tuesday. The gathering in the town of Taconite was to hear comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement for Excelsior Energy's proposed coal gasification power plant.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/11/28/gasificationhearing?refid=0
Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:00:12 -0600Bergson veto restores Duluth housing programDuluth mayor restores a housing program which he describes as his legacy, but council members vow to kill it again.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/11/21/housingveto?refid=0
Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:30:50 -0600The Neuter Commuter hits the roadThe people who run the Neuter Commuter are fixing to fix more pets. But Minnesota law won't let them do it for free and they say that's a problem.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/11/19/mobilesnippers?refid=0
Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:50:26 -0600Duluth council begins budgetary bloodlettingThe axe fell this week on a high speed train study, the public arts commission and public housing. City council members are trying to trim a city budget strained by health care expenses for retired employees.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/11/15/duluthbudget?refid=0
Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:01:21 -0600Water bill includes money for Lake Superior projectA massive water resources bill passed by Congress authorizes a second large lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/11/09/secondlock?refid=0
Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:18:59 -0600Duluth council member Don Ness wins mayor's raceCity council member Don Ness topped
businessman Charlie Bell in the Duluth mayor's race Tuesday.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/11/06/duluthmayor?refid=0
Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:50:19 -0600Toxic gas kills landfill workersFour men are dead, apparent victims of a toxic gas that collected in an underground pit at an industrial site near Superior, Wis.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/11/02/workerdeaths?refid=0
Fri, 02 Nov 2007 07:04:25 -0500Superior still a great lake, but it's under threatExperts say Superior is still the cleanest and healthiest of the Great Lakes, but that its biggest threat comes from the people who want to live and work near the lake.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/10/29/lakesuperior?refid=0
Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:37:31 -0500Pawlenty seeks federal advice on company behind steel projectGov. Pawlenty is seeking clarification from federal officials over Essar Global Ltd.'s involvement with an Iranian oil refinery.
Essar just bought Minnesota Steel Industries, a $1.6 billion project on the Iron Range, and is seeking state assistance.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/10/29/essariran?refid=0
Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:11:35 -0500Coal gasification faces an uncertain futureA proposed coal gas project for the Iron Range fights for life as similar projects are dropped.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/10/26/coalgas?refid=0
Sun, 28 Oct 2007 15:00:19 -0500Duluth's fiscal woes haunt mayoral electionIn Duluth, you might wonder why anyone would want to be mayor. Candidates Charlie Bell and Don Ness are competing to run a city in fiscal crisis. Whoever gets the job will grapple with a huge city debt that's already forced cuts in city services and jobs.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/10/18/duluthmayoralrace?refid=0
Tue, 23 Oct 2007 03:00:37 -0500Panel to discuss human rights from American Indian perspectiveA panel in Duluth will discuss human rights and the American Indian experience in Minnesotahttp://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/10/12/indianpanel?refid=0
Sun, 14 Oct 2007 15:00:17 -0500Duluth residents try last ditch attempt to block school closure planA handful of Duluth residents will be in St. Paul this week, hoping to block the Duluth School District's new building construction plan.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/09/28/duluthschoolsprotests?refid=0
Sun, 30 Sep 2007 15:00:06 -0500Steel plant proponents poised to begin workThe MPCA seems poised to approve the final permits for what proponents call the biggest industrial project in Minnesota history.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/09/06/steelplant?refid=0
Fri, 07 Sep 2007 02:00:04 -0500The Coast Guard makes sure it's 'Always Ready' for an oil spillLake Superior is known for its pristine water, but one oil spill could ruin all that. Coast Guard cutters like the Duluth-based Alder, carry first response equipment in case of a major oil spill.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/08/30/oilspilldrill?refid=0
Mon, 03 Sep 2007 13:00:02 -0500Global copper and nickel demand spurs exploration on the RangeWorldwide demand for copper, nickel and other metals has reignited interest in mineral deposits under the Iron Range. One mine is already in development, and now other companies are seeking permits for testing n the area.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/08/17/copperdemand?refid=0
Tue, 21 Aug 2007 02:00:25 -0500What do bridge inspectors look for?Two high-profile bridges span the St. Louis River and the Duluth Harbor, connecting that city with Superior, Wisc. Each year, one of those bridges gets a routine safety examination. But in the wake of the I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis two weeks ago, both get a look this summer.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/08/14/bridgeinpsector?refid=0
Wed, 15 Aug 2007 01:52:30 -0500Is taconite killing miners?Members of dozens of organizations met in Eveleth Wednesday to begin probing the mystery. The University of Minnesota is launching a study into taconite mining and lung disease, specifically mesothelioma.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/08/09/hearing?refid=0
Thu, 09 Aug 2007 06:48:44 -0500Two energy companies square off over Iron Range power plantThe fate of an Iron Range coal gasification power plant is in the hands of the state's Public Utilities Commission. The question is whether Xcel Energy should be required to purchase the energy produced by the plant. Xcel says it doesn't want to.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/07/31/pucgasificationhearing?refid=0
Tue, 31 Jul 2007 22:53:55 -0500St. Louis County considers a splitThere's a renewed effort to split St. Louis County, Minnesota's largest, into two. Some northern county residents may want to go their own way, leaving Duluth and its metropolitan region on its own.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/07/27/countysplit?refid=0
Mon, 30 Jul 2007 05:00:00 -0500Murphy Oil owners want to expand in SuperiorSome experts blame recent gas price spikes on lack of refineries in the upper Midwest. Now there are plans for a new oil refinery in South Dakota, and in Wisconsin there's a major expansion proposed for a refinery in Superior.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/07/20/superiorrefinery?refid=0
Tue, 24 Jul 2007 03:00:00 -0500Proposed Range steel plant is $30 million shortThis could be the make-or-break year for a massive $1.6 billion Iron Range steel project. But the project is $30 million short -- money promised by the state, then lost to the veto of a supplemental bonding bill.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/07/10/steelplant?refid=0
Wed, 11 Jul 2007 03:00:00 -0500Congress pushes ballast water regulationsShips calling on the Great Lakes may soon have to treat their ballast water, to prevent the spread of non-native plants and animals. New regulations cleared the U.S House Transportation Committee Thursday.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/06/28/ballastregs?refid=0
Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:15:00 -0500For some Guard members, a long wait endsIt was hugs and cheers for 73 members of the Minnesota Army National Guard, their families and supporters in Grand Rapids on Saturday. The soldiers returned home from Iraq.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/06/23/guardhome?refid=0
Sat, 23 Jun 2007 18:51:37 -0500Duluth negotiating with Petters to fill vacant airbaseThe parent company of Minnesota's Sun Country Airlines may be the new tenant for the former Northwest Airlines maintenance base in Duluth. The deal could reactivate a multimillion dollar facility that's been empty for two years.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/06/18/pettersairbase?refid=0
Mon, 18 Jun 2007 17:00:52 -0500Duluth ponders the societal consequences of school closuresThe Duluth School Board votes next week on closing and consolidating schools. But some residents worry the plan concentrates students of color and low-income students primarily into one half of the district.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/06/13/duluthdeseg?refid=0
Thu, 14 Jun 2007 03:00:00 -0500Fire gives birth to Cook County's second-largest cityThe second-largest city in Cook County wasn't there two weeks ago -- it's the fire camp up on the Gunflint Trail, and it's been home for about 1,000 people working the Ham Lake fire.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/05/16/firecamp?refid=0
Wed, 16 May 2007 14:19:21 -0500All not lost on Gunflint TrailRain showers helped the Ham Lake fire settle down on Monday. Officials say the fire made little new progress. Meanwhile, residents said they're now worrying more about the future.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/05/14/gunflintmon?refid=0
Mon, 14 May 2007 22:07:39 -0500Wind causes more concerns along Gunflint TrailStrong winds created some spectacular fire on Sunday on the Ham Lake fire, burning near the Gunflint Trail. But fire officials say they were able to keep the flames from reaching homes and resorts on Gunflint and Loon Lakes.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/05/12/gunflint?refid=0
Sun, 13 May 2007 17:00:00 -0500Bear center aims to bust mythsEly has a new attraction. The North American Bear Center has opened on the small wilderness town's western end. The center is the culmination of years of work by famed bear researcher Lynn Rogers. Rogers says a mission of the center is to dispel some bear myths.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/05/09/bearcenter?refid=0
Thu, 10 May 2007 17:00:00 -0500Pawlenty flies over Gunflint fire; speaks to residentsAfter flying over the fire, Pawlenty told residents of the area the good thing about Minnesotans is they rally around each other
every time there is a natural disaster.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/05/06/gunflintfire?refid=0
Tue, 08 May 2007 13:00:00 -0500Lake Superior's low levels cause problems for shippersLingering drought is blamed for near record low water levels on Lake Superior. That's a major headache for lake shippers, who need to lighten their cargo loads to avoid hitting bottom. It's stirred a long simmering frustration over the federal government's harbor dredging program.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/04/27/lakelevels?refid=0
Fri, 27 Apr 2007 13:00:00 -0500Minnesota Steel project to move forward after acquisitionA yet-to-be-built steel project on the Iron Range has been acquired by an India-based steelmaker. The acquisition is considered an important milestone in making the company, Minnesota Steel Industries, a reality.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/04/18/mnsteel?refid=0
Wed, 18 Apr 2007 14:09:50 -0500Judges report delivers a blow to proposed Iron Range power plantA new legal opinion is a big setback for a proposed coal-gasification power plant on the Iron Range. The opinion only concerns the sale of energy from the plant, but it could be the make or break issue for the project.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/04/13/excelsiorreport?refid=0
Fri, 13 Apr 2007 17:00:00 -0500Northwest Airlines and Duluth resolve abandoned hangar issueState Finance officials say a new deal will pay off the debt on Northwest Airlines Duluth maintenance facility. Duluth officials say it opens the way to find another tenant for the building and relieve them of a multi-million dollar headache.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/04/12/nwaduluth?refid=0
Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:20:16 -0500Minnesota wildlife threatened by global warmingExperts say global warming could have a profound effect on Minnesota wildlife. Dry spells and rising temperatures could be a disaster for Minnesota wildlife from ducks, to moose, to owls.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/04/06/warming?refid=0
Fri, 06 Apr 2007 15:18:00 -0500The moose mysteryIs the heat or the humidity hurting Minnesota moose?http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/03/27/mooseloss?refid=0
Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:30:00 -0500Small Wisconsin town mourns soldierThe small community of Minong, Wisconsin, is mourning someone described as a nice kid who has died in Iraq -- Marine Lance Cpl. Harry Timberman. Timberman, 20, died Saturday from combat wounds suffered in the Al Anbar Province.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/03/19/wismarine?refid=0
Tue, 20 Mar 2007 15:00:00 -0500Duluth looks for a new airbase tenantDuluth officials expect Northwest Airlines to soon drop its lease of the massive heavy jet maintenance facility in the city. But if Northwest officially pulls out of the building, state law makes it almost impossible for Duluth to find another tenant.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/03/08/nwabase?refid=0
Thu, 08 Mar 2007 16:32:05 -0600A storm to rememberThe second major winter storm in a week shut down roads, schools, businesses all across Minnesota Friday. A blizzard warning remains in effect this hour for parts of southern Minnesota, mainly because of blowing snow.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/03/02/snowstatewide?refid=0
Fri, 02 Mar 2007 14:57:45 -0600Near whiteout in DuluthA blizzard warning is in effect through Friday for Duluth and along Lake Superior's North Shore.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/03/01/duluth_snow?refid=0
Thu, 01 Mar 2007 14:47:18 -0600Lake Superior heats upScientists explore why Lake Superior is warming quicker than air around ithttp://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/02/23/superiorwarm?refid=0
Fri, 23 Feb 2007 16:00:00 -0600Group warns of approaching fish diseaseConservationists are calling for quick action to counter a deadly fish virus. The disease, responsible for wide spread fill kills in Lake Erie last summer, has now been identified in Lake Huron. Experts say the disease will almost certainly hit Lake Superior.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/02/14/fishdisease?refid=0
Wed, 14 Feb 2007 16:26:07 -0600Minnesota considers plan to keep Great Lakes water in the Great LakesMinnesota could be the first state to adopt a new agreement to keep Great Lakes water in the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Compact is intended to head off attempts to remove water for use elsewhere.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/02/09/gtlakescompact?refid=0
Sun, 11 Feb 2007 16:00:00 -0600'It's not the cold, it's the wind chill'Minnesota remained in a deep freeze for the
third straight day Monday. The chill prompted school closings across the state, while many residents are taking the chill in stride.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/02/05/coldwx?refid=0
Mon, 05 Feb 2007 13:54:16 -0600U.S. Forest Service releases controversial management plan for near ElyForest Service officials say the project will use logging, replanting, and road closings to help bring the forest closer to how it may have looked a century ago.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/02/02/echotrail?refid=0
Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:30:00 -0600Mesabi Nugget plant comes back to lifeAn Iron Range industrial project declared dead last November has sprung back to life. Some work is expected this weekend on Mesabi Nugget's iron nugget plant near Hoyt Lakes.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/01/25/mesabi?refid=0
Thu, 25 Jan 2007 16:18:37 -0600Duluth asks Legislature for help with health care debtDuluth officials say bills being heard at the Capitol are key to paying for health coverage promised retired city workers and their families.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2007/01/23/duluthtrust?refid=0
Wed, 24 Jan 2007 03:00:00 -0600A hot market for metalThere's something of a crime wave sweeping Minnesota, fueled by high prices for scrap metals like copper and aluminum. Thieves are hitting construction sites and abandoned buildings, taking electrical wiring and pipe that can be cut up and sold for scrap.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/12/27/metalrecycling?refid=0
Tue, 02 Jan 2007 03:00:00 -0600Low level of Lake Superior raises concern and costsThe level of Lake Superior recently hit an all-time low--at least in recorded history. That's making trouble for boaters, and especially for the big ore freighters.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/12/21/superiorlevels?refid=0
Tue, 26 Dec 2006 15:00:00 -0600It's the economy vs. the environment at hearing for Iron Range power plantMany worry about pollution if the Mesaba Energy Project is built nearby. But others at a hearing in Taconite stood to say the region needs the jobs the project could bring to Itasca County.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/12/20/excelsiorhearing?refid=0
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 22:27:00 -0600Steel plant proceeds slowlyOfficials with Minnesota Steel Industries plan a $1.6 billion iron-to-steel operation near Nashwauk. But environmental permitting is taking longer than they expected.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/12/18/steelplant?refid=0
Tue, 19 Dec 2006 01:00:00 -0600Duluth ponders commuter railThere's new hope that commuter rail service could soon connect the Twin Cities and Duluth. Key funding is coming together for a feasibility study of the 150-mile line. Meanwhile, one of the project's biggest supporters is about to have a lot more sway on transportation projects before Congress.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/12/11/duluthrail?refid=0
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 01:00:00 -0600Film crew revisits Indian boarding schoolsA new film being shot in northern Minnesota is shedding light on Indian boarding schools, one of the darker chapters in the recent history of Native Americans.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/12/08/cloquetmovie?refid=0
Fri, 08 Dec 2006 14:15:14 -0600Clyde Iron rises againFew people outside Duluth remember a long gone company called Clyde Iron Works. But their hoists and cranes put the muscle into America's logging industry and helped build national monuments. Now, they're about to come back to life, as a market, a brewery, a hotel, and a public sports center.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/11/30/clydeiron?refid=0
Fri, 01 Dec 2006 01:00:00 -0600Cleveland Cliffs pulls the plug on nugget projectThere's been a big set-back for a long-awaited Iron Range industrial development. Backers said the Mesabi Nugget project would be making a high iron product at a Hoyt Lakes plant in just over a year. But now key partners say they're dropping the project. The State of Minnesota invested millions of dollars in Mesabi Nugget.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/11/20/mesabinugget?refid=0
Mon, 20 Nov 2006 17:00:00 -0600The arguments over Excelsior EnergyThe debate over Excelsior's coal gasification plant is underway, despite the cancellation of technical hearings.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/11/17/excelsiorhearings?refid=0
Sun, 19 Nov 2006 15:00:00 -0600Andy Saur's Vikings questA Duluth man is on a quest to change the music the Minnesota Vikings play in the Metrodome before kicking the football. Andy Saur says the Vikings should be playing a Led Zeppelin song rather than the one they use by Guns N' Roses. He admits he's in for a long struggle.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/11/06/vikingsong?refid=0
Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:01:00 -0600Oberstar takes chargeMinnesota 8th District Congressman Jim Oberstar is about to become really important in the transportation world. As the ranking Democrat, Oberstar is expected to become chair of the powerful House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in January.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/11/08/oberstartransport?refid=0
Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:01:00 -0600The cost of Minnesota timberThe high price of timber was creating a crisis in Minnesota's forest products industry. Then the price crashed, making things worse.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/10/27/timbercosts?refid=0
Mon, 30 Oct 2006 15:00:00 -0600Local governments could be "crushed" by debt, auditor saysA new report says local governments in Minnesota may be crushed by a huge weight of unfunded debt. These are obligations for retirees in the range of $3.3 billion. Unfunded liabilities include promises to provide things like retiree health care.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/10/18/obligations?refid=0
Wed, 18 Oct 2006 16:30:00 -0500Cirrus in the spotlightDuluth's Cirrus Design Corporation finds itself in the media spotlight - but not under circumstances they would have chosen. It was a Cirrus SR-20 airplane built in Duluth that crashed Wednesday into a New York high rise. Now, Cirrus officials were overwhelmed with the aftermath.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/10/12/cirrusreacts?refid=0
Thu, 12 Oct 2006 18:30:00 -0500Known names run for the 8th State Senate seatMinnesota's 8th District state Senate seat is up for grabs this year, after DFL Sen. Becky Lourey ran unsuccessfully for Governor. Her son Tony, of Kerrick, has stepped in as the DFL candidate. But he's not the only well known name in the race. Republican Dan Stevens of Mora served 10 years in the Minnesota Senate.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/10/10/8thlegsenaterace?refid=0
Wed, 11 Oct 2006 01:00:00 -0500Big names battle in the 8thFamiliar names face off in the 8th District race this year. Long-time incumbent Democrat Jim Oberstar faces a challenge from Republican Rod Grams, the former TV news anchor who served both in the U.S. House and Senate.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/09/29/8thdistrictrace?refid=0
Mon, 02 Oct 2006 14:00:00 -0500China boom continues on the Range - but for how long?How long can the China's need for steel push Minnesota's taconite industry? It depends who you ask, but few believe the Chinese influence will be felt forever.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/09/25/evelethboom?refid=0
Mon, 25 Sep 2006 16:37:19 -0500Group files suit to block Minnesota trappingAn animal rights group has filed suit to stop Minnesota trappers from catching and often killing endangered species. The California-based Animal Protection Institute says it filed papers in federal court in Minneapolis.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/09/20/huntingsuit?refid=0
Wed, 20 Sep 2006 16:32:46 -0500Gasification may turn coal into 'clean' fuelSome energy experts say America should turn to coal as its main source of energy. But coal produces pollution. How to overcome that dilemma? The answer might be found in a new power plant planned for northern Minnesota.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/08/30/energygasification?refid=0
Wed, 20 Sep 2006 05:00:00 -0500Excelsior Energy debate goes to the publicOpponents of Excelsior Energy's proposed coal gasification power plant are focusing on water discharges to Iron Range mine pit.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/08/21/excelsiorenergy?refid=0
Tue, 22 Aug 2006 05:00:00 -0500Forest experiments track causes and effects of global warmingResearchers are trying to determine how the north country woods and wetlands will respond to a changing climate.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/06/19/aspenwhiteface?refid=0
Tue, 08 Aug 2006 05:00:00 -0500BWCA fire: Watching the winds, hoping for rainStrong winds fanned flames and threatened the homes and businesses along northeast Minnesota's Gunflint Trail Wednesday, as a large forest fire continued to grow near Seagull Lake. The Cavity Lake fire has burned more than 20,000 acres. While parts of the state saw much-needed rain Wednesday, the Boundary Waters got little.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/07/19/firelatest?refid=0
Wed, 19 Jul 2006 15:45:00 -0500Fires continue burning in BWCAA fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the largest in years, continues to spread. It now threatens to force some property owners off their land.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/07/17/morefire?refid=0
Mon, 17 Jul 2006 10:07:19 -0500Madame Butterfly lands in DuluthDuluth Festival Opera's second season brings Madame Butterfly to the city of ships, lumber, and iron ore.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/07/12/duluthopera?refid=0
Thu, 13 Jul 2006 02:00:00 -0500Gypsy moths stalk the North ShoreThe battle is beginning against a small brown moth on Lake Superior's north shore. Minnesota's largest infestation to date of gypsy moths was discovered last year in Lake and Cook counties.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/06/28/northerngypsymoths?refid=0
Mon, 03 Jul 2006 14:00:00 -0500Bogged down in wetlandsIt's hard to please everybody, even when you try to give them a wetland at no charge. PolyMet Mining will need to replace more than 1,000 acres of wetlands it expects to fill for a mining operation near Hoyt Lakes. PolyMet's plans worry some St. Louis County residents.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/06/02/polymentwetlands?refid=0
Mon, 05 Jun 2006 14:15:00 -0500Mercury concerns on the RangeNew industries proposed for the Iron Range are stirring an old concern. Mercury pollution has already forced fish consumption advisories in area lakes including Lake Superior. Now, stringent mercury emission laws are making it tough for new industries to meet the standards.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/05/15/rangemercury?refid=0
Fri, 26 May 2006 05:00:00 -0500The debate over sulfide miningA new copper/nickel mine could bring 400 direct jobs to the Iron Range. But some people worry that copper/nickel mining will poison the environment.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/05/15/rangesulfidemining?refid=0
Thu, 25 May 2006 01:00:00 -0500Looking for workers on the RangeThe people behind proposed new industries for the Iron Range have a big worry. Who will work in the plants? The area's iron mines are already facing a worker shortage. A wave of retirements, and few young replacements living in the area, could make the problem even worse.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/05/15/rangedemographics?refid=0
Tue, 23 May 2006 11:35:00 -0500Range development and the parksIf all goes to plan, half a dozen new industries could be up and running on Minnesota's Iron Range in the next five years. Some people are excited about the jobs that they'll bring, but some people are concerned about the consequences for nearby wilderness areas.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/05/15/rangeparkpollution?refid=0
Tue, 23 May 2006 05:00:00 -0500Growing pains on the Iron RangeThe Iron Range in northern Minnesota is undergoing an economic transformation. How that will affect the long-standing communities there is open to question.http://minnesota.publicradio.org/standard/display/project_display.php?proj_identifier=2006/05/15/ironrange?refid=0
Mon, 22 May 2006 16:43:54 -0500Accusations fly over Duluth Entertainment Center moneySome journalists are calling this "the stadium session," but the only sports facility which had already received public support in a referendum got skunked at the Capitol.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/05/22/deccmoney?refid=0
Mon, 22 May 2006 16:13:35 -0500Boomtime coming on the Iron RangeIt looks as though Minnesota's Iron Range could be in for a business boom. Five years ago, many Minnesotans might have been ready to write off the Iron Range, as LTV Steel Mining Co. closed its sprawling taconite mine in Hoyt Lakes. But now, half a dozen new industries may be coming to the Range.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/05/15/rangedevelopment?refid=0
Mon, 22 May 2006 05:05:00 -0500One Iron Ranger says new jobs not worth the environmental tradeoffElanne Palcich is a lifelong Iron Range resident. She grew up north of Chisholm, and taught elementary school in Virginia. Now retired, Palcich is an active member of the Sierra Club, and an outspoken critic of the rush to Iron Range jobs at the potential expense of the environment. Palcich spoke to reporter Bob Kelleher at her home in Chisholm.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/05/16/rangeopponent?refid=0
Sat, 20 May 2006 00:00:00 -0500Projects in the pipeline for the Iron RangeHere's a list of new industries targeted for the Iron Range, along with their potential employment impact.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/05/15/ironrangeprojects?refid=0
Fri, 19 May 2006 00:00:00 -0500The landbound journey of Duluth's Viking longshipDuluth's 80-year-old Viking ship replica survived the north Atlantic Ocean, and decades of exposure to wind, sun and snow. But the people who restored the ship say it won't survive long without a shelter, as promised by city officials.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/04/17/vikingship?refid=0
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500Mesabi schools ask for new buildingFive years after LTV Steel's plant closed, is the Iron Range ready to invest in schools?http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/03/31/mesabireferendum?refid=0
Mon, 03 Apr 2006 00:01:00 -0500County turns to eBaySt. Louis County has saved a bundle on high tech equipment - by turning to the popular online auction site eBay.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/03/27/countyebay?refid=0
Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:01:00 -0600Wolves to be delistedFederal officials have a new plan to take wolves off the endangered species list. Unlike previous proposals, the plan today only affects wolf management in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and parts of bordering states.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/03/16/wolvesdelisted?refid=0
Thu, 16 Mar 2006 16:30:00 -0600Fighting the gypsy mothOfficials are planning their attack on an expected gypsy moth infestation in northeast Minnesota. Last year, researchers trapped more moths in Cook County than they've ever trapped in the entire state. With treatment, they think they can keep the forest pests at bay for at least a couple more years.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/03/03/gypsymoths?refid=0
Mon, 06 Mar 2006 09:58:23 -0600Pawlenty say's he'll support bonding for the DECCGovernor Pawlenty says he's ready to support plans to expand Duluth's Entertainment and Convention facility. Pawlenty initial rejected the project from his initial bonding recommendations, saying he was concerned about Duluth's financial health, because of its outstanding retiree health care obligations.http://minnesota.publicradio.orghttp://www.mprnews.org/story/2006/02/10/deccvote?refid=0
Mon, 13 Feb 2006 01:00:00 -0600Saving the last saluteMilitary color guards nationwide were struggling to honor a growing number of World War II veteran's funerals - some 1,800 a day. But a rule change pushed by a determined Duluth vet will help expand the ranks of the guards.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2006/01/30_kelleherb_honorguard/?refid=0
Sun, 29 Jan 2006 16:00:00 -0600Land for lynxNew roads, trails and housing developments may be little more difficult to build soon in Minnesota's Arrowhead, thanks to new rules intended to protect habitat for Canada lynx. A critical habitat designation for much of Lake, Cook and St. Louis Counties could be in place late this year.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2006/01/26_kelleherb_lynx/?refid=0
Thu, 26 Jan 2006 00:01:00 -0600Organizing daycareIndependent daycare providers are in the sights of two well-established labor unions. Union leaders are promising a stronger voice to providers who choose to take on state government collectively.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2006/01/13_kelleherb_daycare/?refid=0
Fri, 13 Jan 2006 00:01:00 -0600What's behind the mystery rustDuluth Port officials know there's an aggressive corrosion, eating away at under-water steel. Now they've got the money to figure out what's causing it.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/12/20_kelleherb_rust/?refid=0
Wed, 28 Dec 2005 05:00:00 -0600Duluth coming to grips with health costsIs Duluth ready to come to terms with a promise to pay retiree health insurance for life? A task force plan could close a $280 million gap.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/12/19_kelleherb_duluthhealth/?refid=0
Sun, 18 Dec 2005 15:00:00 -0600Duluth mayor apologizes for drunk-driving arrestDuluth Mayor Herb Bergson says he's pleading no contest to drunk driving charges. Bergson was arrested Friday after his car hit a bridge near Spooner, Wisc.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/12/15_kelleherb_mayor/?refid=0
Thu, 15 Dec 2005 11:47:00 -0600Restoring the roadless forestA state council considers whether Minnesota should request roadless status for more than 60,000 acres of federal forests - but few are pushing the issue.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/11/30_kelleherb_roadlessrule/?refid=0
Wed, 30 Nov 2005 00:22:00 -0600A Grant obsessionSeveral years ago, Marie Kelsey became smitten with Ulysses S. Grant. She'll even admit she became obsessed. Now's she's produced a book which historians say is indispensable for Grant scholars.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/11/27_kelleherb_grantbiblio/?refid=0
Tue, 22 Nov 2005 00:06:00 -0600Reaching out to Hmong huntersThere's been a big jump in the number of Hmong hunters in Wisconsin's hunter education classes. This a year after a fatal confrontation between a Hmong hunter and a non-Hmong hunting party that left six people dead. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin DNR is looking to recruit Hmong help reach the state's 10,000 Hmong hunters.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/11/08_kelleherb_hmongpreps/?refid=0
Tue, 08 Nov 2005 00:05:00 -0600Preparing for the deer hunt in WisconsinThe Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is planning for a safe deer hunt, one year after the shooting incident in northwestern Wisconsin that left six hunters dead.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/11/07_kelleherb_huntpreps/?refid=0
Mon, 07 Nov 2005 00:01:00 -0600That's no bear -- that's a pig!Wisconsin has declared war on wild pigs. Few believed pigs could survive in the wilds of northern Wisconsin. But a herd of pigs is thriving in the woods and wilds near Lake Superior, and that worries the people living in the area.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/10/26_kelleherb_feralpigs/?refid=0
Wed, 26 Oct 2005 00:01:00 -0500Firewood sales heating upFacing record high costs for home heating, many people are turning to firewood, to provide a lower cost alternative to gas or oil, or to supplement more expensive heating fuels.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/10/04_kelleherb_woodheat/?refid=0
Tue, 04 Oct 2005 00:01:00 -0500Vang found guilty on all countsChai Vang has been found guilty of killing six hunters in the woods of northwest Wisconsin last November, as well as the attempted murder of two others. A jury reached the verdict late Friday afternoon.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/09/16_kelleherb_vangverdict/?refid=0
Fri, 16 Sep 2005 17:38:00 -0500Testimony: Vang tried to walk away from confrontationChai Soua Vang wasn't the first Hmong
hunter to be thrown off the land where six white hunters were
fatally shot after they confronted him, a survivor testified
Tuesday in the Minnesota man's murder trial.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/09/13_kelleherb_vang/?refid=0
Tue, 13 Sep 2005 17:34:00 -0500Survivor testifies about fatal shootings in Wisconsin woodsOne of two deer hunters who survived a
shooting rampage that killed six others in the woods calmly described to jurors Monday how a confrontation with a trespasser turned violent.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/09/12_kelleherb_vangday2/?refid=0
Mon, 12 Sep 2005 10:00:00 -0500Chai Vang trial beginsOpening statements were heard Saturday in the murder trial of Chai Vang. Vang is the St Paul man accused of killing six hunters and wounding two others during last November's Wisconsin deer hunt. Prosecutors say he shot the others without good reason. The defense says he feared for his life.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/09/10_kelleherb_vang/?refid=0
Sat, 10 Sep 2005 22:05:00 -0500Jury chosen for Vang trialA jury has been selected to hear the trial of Chai Soua Vang, a St. Paul man accused of gunning down six deer hunters in northern Wisconsin. The jurors were chosen in Madison, Wisconsin.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/09/08_kelleherb_vangjury/?refid=0
Thu, 08 Sep 2005 16:12:00 -0500Duluth mechanics prepare to walkNorthwest Airline's Duluth mechanics are ready to walk off the job Friday if negotiations fail between the airline and mechanics union. Meanwhile, city officials are watching to see if Northwest maintains employment levels promised at its Duluth jet maintenance base.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/08/17_kelleherb_nwaduluth/?refid=0
Thu, 18 Aug 2005 14:25:00 -0500Opera by the ore docks?You can bring opera to Duluth, but will anyone be listening?http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/08/15_kelleherb_duluthopera/?refid=0
Mon, 15 Aug 2005 15:30:00 -0500Gunflint Trail fire may burn for weeksThe Alpine Lake fire is burning on the west side of Seagull Lake, just a short distance from resorts, homes and cabins on the Gunflint Trail. Residents heard that this still small fire may burn for some time.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/08/10_kelleherb_fires/?refid=0
Wed, 10 Aug 2005 07:40:00 -0500Firefighters work to contain BWCA blazeAdditional fire crews arrived Monday at a blaze burning in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The fire burned more than 400 acres over the weekend near the Gunflint Trail. Despite the fire, it's been business as usual for most outfitters and visitors to Minnesota's canoe country.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/08/08_ap_bwcafire/?refid=0
Mon, 08 Aug 2005 15:22:00 -0500Tanks for the memoriesWhat drives grown men to invest thousands of dollars into worn out and discarded military trucks, tanks, and jeeps? The collectors call it the green disease.'http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/07/05_kelleherb_militaryvehicles/?refid=0
Fri, 05 Aug 2005 13:53:00 -0500Woman tells of bear attackA Carlton County woman Monday described her harrowing encounter with a black bear near her home Friday. Mary Munn, 50, is recovering from bites and deep scratches in a Duluth hospital. The DNR is still looking for the bear.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/08/01_kelleherb_bearattack/?refid=0
Mon, 01 Aug 2005 16:55:00 -0500Minnesota labor split on national labor splitA national labor defection will be felt in Minnesota. The state's AFL-CIO will lose 27,000 workers out a membership of 426,000. Some Minnesotans worry the defections will hurt organized labor, but others think the move might pump new life into a stagnant labor movement.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/07/29_kelleherb_laborrift/?refid=0
Fri, 29 Jul 2005 15:16:00 -0500The Great Lakes Aquarium turns fiveCritics might have predicted Duluth's fresh water aquarium would never last five years. But it has. And proponents say things are going swimmingly.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/07/29_kelleherb_aquarium/?refid=0
Thu, 28 Jul 2005 14:32:00 -0500Working to save the resortsResort owners are looking for help to keep their businesses open and prospering. Without some changes in official policies, they say, resorts will keep disappearing across Minnesota.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/07/25_kelleherb_resorts/?refid=0
Sun, 24 Jul 2005 14:44:00 -0500Development of 'green and wild' island causing intense debateOfficials in Superior, Wisconsin, have embraced an ambitious new housing and recreational project proposed for an island in the St. Louis River. But some area residents worry the city will put economic development ahead of birds and fish.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/07/14_kelleherb_cloughisland/?refid=0
Thu, 14 Jul 2005 00:01:00 -0500Judge allows confession in Vang trialChai Vang's murder trial will be held in Hayward, Wisc. Vang is the Twin Cities man charged in the shooting deaths of six Wisconsin deer hunters last November, and the wounding of two others. A Sawyer County judge heard pre-trial motions Wednesday, setting the stage for the September trial.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/06/08_kelleherb_vang/?refid=0
Wed, 08 Jun 2005 18:05:00 -0500Cirrus Design looks westAirplane manufacturer Cirrus Design is asking for help getting its airplane plant expanded in Duluth. Hundreds of new jobs could be at stake.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/06/07_kelleherb_cirrus/?refid=0
Tue, 07 Jun 2005 00:01:00 -0500Son of state Sen. Becky Lourey killed in IraqHelicopter pilot Matthew Lourey, son of state
Sen. Becky Lourey, has been killed in Iraq, a Senate spokesman
said. Chief Warrant Officer Matthew Lourey, 41, was assigned to fly
Kiowa Warrior helicopters with the Army's 82nd Airborne Division.
He died Thursday during his second tour in Iraq, said Senate
Majority Leader Dean Johnson.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/05/27_kelleherb_loureyobit/?refid=0
Fri, 27 May 2005 11:00:00 -0500Commuter rail comes to Duluth -- brieflyWill Duluth motorists get out of their cars and ride the train to work? A one-week demonstration is intended to find out.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/05/23_kelleherb_duluthtrain/?refid=0
Sun, 22 May 2005 15:00:00 -0500Minnesota iron goes globalThe fortunes of Minnesota's iron mines have long been tied to domestic steel production. But now, global demand is clearly driving renewed demand for iron ore. Some people caution that global forces can quickly make or break a regional industry like iron mining.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/04/15_kelleherb_globaliron/?refid=0
Thu, 19 May 2005 05:00:00 -0500Better than coal?Is wood power the answer to a cleaner future? Some Iron Rangers think wood is a better fuel than coal for a pair of electrical power plants. Some others think wood is a step backwards.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/05/11_kelleherb_woodpower/?refid=0
Wed, 11 May 2005 00:01:00 -0500When Dad goes to warIt's never easy going to war. It's even worse when you're leaving young kids behind.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/05/06_kelleherb_duluthguard/?refid=0
Fri, 06 May 2005 00:03:00 -0500Island development draws mixed reactionDevelopers want to build a more than $300 million housing and recreational project on an undeveloped island in the St. Louis River, between Duluth and Superior. The development has strong support from officials in Superior, but strong opposition from environmentalists.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/05/02_kelleherb_islandproject/?refid=0
Mon, 02 May 2005 16:01:00 -0500Hour houseHow long does it take to build a two bedroom house? Maybe half a day, tops, if you're building from the kit designed as quick and inexpensive temporary housing.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/04/25_kelleherb_hourhouse/?refid=0
Mon, 25 Apr 2005 16:10:00 -0500Cloquet teens examine 'When a Country Goes to War'A high school film project has stirred new conversations about war in Cloquet, a small town already touched by the loss of a young soldier.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/04/04_kelleherb_warfilm/?refid=0
Sun, 03 Apr 2005 15:00:00 -0500Up and down on a 33-year rideSteve Douville has been riding Duluth's aerial lift bridge for 33 years. Now, he says, it's time to get off.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/03/28_kelleherb_bridgedriver/?refid=0
Sun, 27 Mar 2005 15:01:00 -0600Don't bet on gamingPeople who have struggled with gambling addiction aren't welcoming plans for a new Minnesota casino.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/03/07_kelleherb_addiction/?refid=0
Sun, 06 Mar 2005 14:30:00 -0600Electrical power from the forestIn a couple of years, a portion of your electrical power might come from the forests of Northern Minnesota. Wood from tree farms and logging left overs will fire the boilers at power plants in Hibbing and Virginia. They'll help Xcel Energy meet a mandate for bio-mass generated power.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/02/25_kelleherb_woodpower/?refid=0
Fri, 25 Feb 2005 00:01:00 -0600A new life for radio at the end of the roadAn Ely radio station, made famous by Charles Kuralt, gets a new life with the Boise Forte Band of Ojibway. The Band's purchase makes it the first Minnesota tribe with its own broadcast station.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/02/21_kelleherb_welysold/?refid=0
Sun, 20 Feb 2005 12:00:00 -0600Changing the face of Ely with artEly is becoming a mecca for the arts on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. An influx of artists is changing the face of the old mining and logging town.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/02/04_kelleherb_elyart/?refid=0
Fri, 04 Feb 2005 14:41:00 -0600Gypsy moths eating their way toward the BWCAAn infestation near Tower could be evidence that gypsy moths may be setting up house in Minnesota. The moths pose some threat to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and the region's timber industry.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/01/21_kelleherb_gypsymoths/?refid=0
Fri, 21 Jan 2005 15:34:00 -0600Would Blandin's expansion push Minnesota forests over the edge?A proposed expansion at a Grand Rapids paper plant could push up the state's timber harvest by nearly 200,000 cords of wood a year. Some worry what that could mean to the state's forests.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/01/12_kelleherb_forestry/?refid=0
Wed, 12 Jan 2005 00:01:00 -0600Duluth struggles with retiree health costsPeople are feeling the rising costs of health care from the living room to the board room. In Duluth, health expenses could put basic city services at risk.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/12/31_kelleherb_duluthinsurance/?refid=0
Thu, 30 Dec 2004 00:01:00 -0600Steel on the Range, againThere's new life in an old idea on the Iron Range -- to produce steel and create some 700 new jobs. The Iron Range Resources Board has approved a $5 million loan to help a Michigan-based company develop a steel mill near Nashwauk.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/12/17_kelleherb_steel/?refid=0
Fri, 17 Dec 2004 15:01:00 -0600Budget cuts slice Duluth's low income housingDuluth landlords serving low income tenants are being told to cut rents or lose renters.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/12/08_kelleherb_duluthhousing/?refid=0
Wed, 08 Dec 2004 16:19:00 -0600Man charged in hunter slayings makes court appearanceA Minnesota man accused of fatally shooting
six deer hunters in the woods of northern Wisconsin appeared in a
makeshift courtroom Tuesday a day after charges were filed against
him.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/11/29_kelleherb_vangcharged/?refid=0
Tue, 30 Nov 2004 16:02:00 -0600Man arrested for deer-stand shooting says he was fired on first; Hmong leaders condemn shootingCourt documents filed on Tuesday show that the 36-year-old Hmong immigrant suspected of killing six deer hunters in Wisconsin last weekend told authorities he was called racial slurs and was fired on first. Hmong leaders gathered to condemn the shootings and express sympathy for the victims. But some say racial tension between white and Hmong hunters is not uncommon.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/11/24_williamsb_hmongshootingrea/?refid=0
Tue, 23 Nov 2004 16:34:00 -0600Hunter kills six, wounds two after tree-stand disputeA police official says it's &quot;absolutely
nuts&quot; that a dispute over a hunting location apparently led to the
shooting deaths of six people in Wisconsin.
Tim Zeigle says a confrontation took place between the suspect
and other deer hunters after a dispute about a tree stand.
The suspect is a 36-year-old man from St. Paul.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/11/22_kelleherb_huntershooting/?refid=0
Mon, 22 Nov 2004 17:20:00 -0600A Duluth soldier comes homeArmy Specialist Daniel James McConnell throught he'd be home, safe, from Iraq within weeks. Instead, his body is being flown back Friday.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/11/18_kelleherb_duluthsoldier/?refid=0
Thu, 18 Nov 2004 14:00:00 -0600A Civil War veteran finally rememberedHenry Johnson lay in an unmarked grave for 76 years. Now, thanks to help from a great granddaughter, the Civil War veteran is properly memorialized.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/11/11_kelleherb_civilwarvet/?refid=0
Thu, 11 Nov 2004 16:10:00 -0600Little Ships on the Big LakesA new wave of ship building is providing hope to Great Lakes ports. For a decade or more, few ocean going ships were built to fit through the Great Lakes locks and canals. A Canadian company is changing that.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/11/05_kelleherb_littleships/?refid=0
Fri, 05 Nov 2004 14:37:00 -0600Energizing the Indian voteA tribal get-out-the-vote campaign is focused on 12 states with American Indian populations, including Minnesota. Backed by casino revenue, tribes are seeking political power, and a podium for American Indian issues.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/10/01_kelleherb_nativevote/?refid=0
Thu, 14 Oct 2004 00:01:00 -0500NRA chooses Duluth as site of Bush endorsementThe National Rifle Association today endorsed Republican President George Bush for re-election, and plans to target Democrat John Kerry in a multi-million dollar campaign. The NRA made its announcement in Duluth.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/10/13_kelleherb_nraendorses/?refid=0
Wed, 13 Oct 2004 15:00:00 -0500Bringing the trail through DuluthThe 240-mile Superior Hiking Trail is growing. It's being extended 40 miles to and through the city of Duluth -- a key connection to a planned national trail through seven states. A small group of volunteers is taking advantage of late summer weather in Duluth, to build part of the trail.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/09/22_kelleherb_hikingtrail/?refid=0
Wed, 22 Sep 2004 12:00:00 -0500Selling Minnesota's &quot;Goods from the Woods&quot;The folks in Grand Rapids are hoping for a big turnout this weekend, for their showcase of products made from the region's forests. They call it the Up North Marketplace. This isn't about plywood and two-by-fours. It's about arts, crafts, and economic development. It's part of a bigger effort to create a new cottage industry.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/09/17_kelleherb_goodsfromthewood/?refid=0
Fri, 17 Sep 2004 00:01:00 -0500It's DFL right vs. left in Northeast MinnesotaThe issues are similar, but the views are from two different directions in Northeast Minnesota's DFL primary for House District 6-A. The outcome could predict November's winner.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/09/10_kelleherb_district6a/?refid=0
Fri, 10 Sep 2004 12:55:00 -0500The harbor that's rusting awayDuluth harbor officials hope the experts can figure out why the steel plates lining the docks are rusting away just beneath the water line. According to one official, it could be a $100 million dollar problem.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/09/09_kelleherb_corrosion/?refid=0
Wed, 08 Sep 2004 00:01:00 -0500Forty years on: Sigurd Olson and the Wilderness ActAmerica's Wilderness areas celebrate a birthday Friday. Forty years ago, President Lyndon Johnson signed The Wilderness Act - creating the nation's system of federally protected wilderness. Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area was one of the first. Several Minnesotans played prominent roles, including then U.S. Sen. Hubert Humphrey, and a junior college administrator from Ely, named Sigurd Olson.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/09/03_kelleherb_wilderness/?refid=0
Fri, 03 Sep 2004 00:06:00 -0500Making the Apostle Islands wildA Bush administration official has announced that 80 percent of Wisconsin's Apostle Islands Lakeshore will become permanent wilderness. So why aren't wilderness advocates happy?http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/09/02_kelleherb_apostleislands/?refid=0
Thu, 02 Sep 2004 14:54:00 -0500Six months into JOBZ, there's mixed newsJOBZ, the state's new rural economic initiative, is surprising the experts. It's drawing great interest from businesses in some parts of the state. Still, most of the state's JOBZ zones are still waiting for their first business application.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/08/19_kelleherb_jobzupdate/?refid=0
Thu, 19 Aug 2004 00:01:00 -0500How high's the water? 300 feet and risingWater has been collecting for 20 years in a retired iron mining pit just outside Bovey. If it rises much higher it might flood the town. And some locals worry the water could break through any day.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/08/11_kelleherb_floodedpit/?refid=0
Wed, 11 Aug 2004 00:01:00 -0500Forest rule impact in Minnesota still unclearThe U.S. Forest Service has announced a new direction for managing forest areas without roads. Under the new plan, it'll be easier to build logging roads unless there's a request from a state's governor to keep the regions road- free. Forest Service officials in Duluth don't yet know how the new directive will play out in Minnesota. The rule change gets a vote of support from the state's timber producers. But it's thumbs down from the state's environmental groups.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/07/12_kelleherb_forestrulesminn/?refid=0
Mon, 12 Jul 2004 16:50:00 -0500Five years after the blowdownThe Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is recovering from the storm that toppled trees over thousands of acres five years ago. However, the danger of wildfire remains. And the forest that grows back may not look much like the forest that blew away.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/07/05_kelleherb_blowdown/?refid=0
Sun, 04 Jul 2004 15:05:00 -0500Bald eagles are back from the brinkVoyageurs National Park is home to one of the nation's longest ongoing research projects on the American bald eagle. What researchers have learned here has helped bald eagle recovery nationwide. Now, the eagle is ready to come off the nation's list of threatened and endangered species.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/06/29_kelleherb_eaglebanding/?refid=0
Mon, 28 Jun 2004 14:00:00 -0500Gasoline prices not finished rising yetGasoline prices are hitting new highs almost every day. Prices in Minnesota vary around $1.90 a gallon in Fergus Falls to $2.10 in International Falls. And there's little hope for a price drop anytime soon. Now a refinery problem threatens to push Minnesota prices higher yet.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/05/17_kelleherb_gas/?refid=0
Mon, 17 May 2004 15:01:00 -0500Iron Range is booming, but it's hard to find an optimistIt's a banner year for Minnesota's iron mining industry, thanks to China's red hot economy. The demand from China is driving up the price of iron ore worldwide. In northeast Minnesota, you might think the good times are here. But it can be hard to find an optimist on the Iron Range. They've been down this road before.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/05/12_kelleherb_ironoutput/?refid=0
Wed, 12 May 2004 14:00:00 -0500Third Minnesota Marine this week dies in IraqA 20-year-old Marine from Cloquet has become the seventh Minnesota
serviceman to die in Iraq, his grandmother said Friday.
Levi Angell was killed earlier this week when his Humvee was hit
by a rocket-propelled grenade, said Lila Angell, also of Cloquet.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/04/09_ap_cloquetmarine/?refid=0
Fri, 09 Apr 2004 16:53:00 -0500Welcome to the Copper RangeMinnesota's first viable non-ferrous metals mine might be up and running in just three years. Several companies are eyeing Northeast Minnesota's deposits of nickel, copper, platinum and gold. Experts say the combined mining operations output could even surpass taconite as the state's leading mine export.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/03/31_kelleherb_goingforgold/?refid=0
Wed, 31 Mar 2004 15:34:00 -0600Who gets the nuggets?An Indiana steel company is ready to invest in the first full size iron nugget plant. Iron nugget technology has been tested in a small pilot plant in Northern Minnesota. Minnesota helped pay for the plant. But its first succesor might be built in Indiana, rather than Minnesota.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/03/19_kelleherb_nuggets/?refid=0
Fri, 19 Mar 2004 13:05:00 -0600St. Patrick's in the &quot;Norseland&quot;It's not easy being green in Duluth. There's a smattering of Irish descendents around Northeast Minnesota, but they're easily lost among the hordes of Finns, Norwegians, and Swedes. Duluth dropped its annual St. Pat's parade several years ago. But one tradition has served as a touchstone for Duluth's Irish community - a dance that's marked the St. Pat's season for a quarter century.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/03/17_kelleherb_irishdance/?refid=0
Wed, 17 Mar 2004 00:05:00 -0600Taming Highway 1Highway 1 is a favorite for motorcycles and sports cars but it's a terror for school buses and motor homes. The winding forest road to Ely is due for a rebuild. Should it be made wider, smoother, and straighter? Or should it be left alone?http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/03/01_kelleherb_highwayone/?refid=0
Tue, 02 Mar 2004 00:05:00 -0600Howard Dean's last stand?Supporters packed a Superior, Wisc., school auditorium to hear former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean's pitch to the Badger state's most northern Democrats. Dean is focused almost exclusively on next week's Wisconsin primary. He hopes to pull off an upset win that might revitalize his struggling campaign. But Dean lost key endorsements, including from a veteran northern Wisconsin congressman.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/02/10_kelleherb_deaninwisc/?refid=0
Tue, 10 Feb 2004 15:26:00 -0600Fortepianos: a link in a musical evolutionary chainMost people know the modern piano evolved from the harpsichord. But few know there was an intermediate instrument, called the fortepiano. A Duluth concert features a rare treat: matched fortepianos playing works of Mozart in a way rarely heard today.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/02/05_kelleherb_fortepianos/?refid=0
Thu, 05 Feb 2004 16:00:00 -0600Losing connections: small towns and commercial aviationGrand Rapids is losing its commercial air service. Hibbing almost did. Major airlines are reconsidering their commitment to less profitable small communities. Rural cities are looking for new ways to keep air connections, and to attract new ones.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/01/27_kelleherb_airservice/?refid=0
Wed, 28 Jan 2004 00:01:00 -0600Will work for health insuranceIt's bad enough to lose your job. It can be catastrophic to lose your health insurance. For more than 1,000 laid-off iron miners, promises of life-long health coverage vanished when the company went under.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/01/26_kelleherb_unionsinsurance/?refid=0
Tue, 27 Jan 2004 12:00:00 -0600How much would a pilot strike hurt Minnesota towns?Small towns are bracing for a Mesaba Airlines pilot's strike. For many Minnesota communities, Mesaba provides the only commercial link to the nation's air transportation system. Without the airline, passengers face a long drive to a larger airport. Small airports and businesses stand to lose money every day the carrier is grounded.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/01/08_kelleherb_outstatemesaba/?refid=0
Thu, 08 Jan 2004 17:19:00 -0600LTV's workforce is back at workNortheast Minnesotans feared a mass exodus when LTV Steel closed its Hoyt Lakes iron mine and taconite plant. But that hasn't happened. Most of the former workers are back on the payroll, and still in ortheast Minnesota.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/01/06_kelleherb_ltvreport/?refid=0
Tue, 06 Jan 2004 14:58:00 -0600Steger heads north againWill Steger's heading out on another Arctic sled dog adventure. This time the famed polar explorer is out to demonstrate how global warming might wreak havoc with northern Canada's Inuit people.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/11/25_kelleherb_steger/?refid=0
Tue, 25 Nov 2003 00:01:00 -0600Duluth elects new mayorDuluth needed a new mayor, so voters borrowed one from
Wisconsin.
Former Superior, Wis. mayor Herb Bergson was elected mayor of
Duluth on Tuesday, beating businessman Charlie Bell 57-42 percent.
Bergson, who is a police detective in Superior but lives in
Duluth, was already a city councilman in Duluth. Duluth's mayor of
12 years, Gary Doty, did not run for re-election.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/11/05_kelleherb_elx/?refid=0
Wed, 05 Nov 2003 05:48:00 -0600The race for mayor in DuluthTwo candidates with a similar message are in the race to replace long time Duluth mayor Gary Doty. One's a political newcomer. The other served two terms as mayor across the bay in Superior, Wisc.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/11/03_kelleherb_duluthmayor/?refid=0
Mon, 03 Nov 2003 05:30:00 -0600Blandin under fireSome Grand Rapids residents are challenging the way the Blandin Foundation gives away money. The foundation provides grants for rural causes statewide. But some say founder Charles Blandin intended that the money remain in the Grand Rapids area.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/10/29_kelleherb_blandinsuit/?refid=0
Wed, 29 Oct 2003 00:28:00 -0600The Boundary Waters: 25 years laterIt was 25 years ago Tuesday that President Jimmy Carter signed a bill creating the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Minnesota's one million-acre canoe country first joined the National Wilderness system in 1964. But the region was given special exemptions to allow motors, logging and even mining. The controversy over what was appropriate in the wilderness boiled for years. Then, in 1978, two lawyers drafted an historic compromise that still guides activities in the Boundary Waters today.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/10/21_kelleherb_bwca/?refid=0
Tue, 21 Oct 2003 05:00:00 -0500BWCA fallout: 'The Minnesota Massacre'The term Minnesota Massacre was a term largely adopted by the State's DFL Party. Independent Republicans likely had a much kinder name for the outcome of Minnesota's 1978 general election. That's when three of the state's most prominent statewide offices turned over from DFL to Independent Republican hands -- and fallout from the BWCA debate was one factor.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/10/21_kelleherb_bwcamassacre/?refid=0
Tue, 21 Oct 2003 05:00:00 -0500Coal gasification plant: worth the tradeoff?Iron Rangers are excited about the prospects of a new multi-billion dollar power plant, proposed for Hoyt Lakes. The proposal is part of a controversial energy bill which includes a provision allowing oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., says he's tempted to vote for the bill because it has many good things for Minnesota.
Supporters say the project will create badly needed electricity for Minnesota, and even more badly needed jobs for the Iron Range. The project's been quietly making headway since first proposed about two years ago.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/10/01_kelleherb_coalgas/?refid=0
Tue, 30 Sep 2003 16:00:00 -0500North Woods dragonflies are migrating southWhat's that flying by Duluth's Hawk Ridge? A bird? A plane? No! They are dragonflies, migrating south by the thousands. And now there's a new field guide so you can tell them apart.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/09/16_kelleherb_dragonflies/?refid=0
Wed, 17 Sep 2003 15:08:00 -0500The ride of the future?A Fridley company is wooing Duluth to help build its Personal Rapid Transit certification facility. Duluth is listening.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/08/28_kelleherb_taxipilot/?refid=0
Thu, 28 Aug 2003 05:00:00 -0500Minnesota tribe is first to oversee air qualityAnother set of eyes will be looking over some northern Minnesota and Wisconsin air permit applications. The Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe will soon carry the same weight as a regional state on air discharge permits within 50 miles of its northeastern Minnesota reservation.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/08/25_kelleherb_goodair/?refid=0
Sun, 24 Aug 2003 12:00:00 -0500The poop on beachesWhen the bathrooms are closed, where do people go? In the woods, on the dunes, or in the lake, according to some Duluth beachgoers.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/08/19_kelleherb_suppoop/?refid=0
Tue, 19 Aug 2003 00:01:00 -0500The cost of phones in the forestDozens of lake home owners will have to wait for phone lines in the woods north of Tofte. The phone company Qwest says phone lines could cost up to $45,000 for some homes. State regulators say that's too much.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/08/06_kelleherb_forestphones/?refid=0
Thu, 07 Aug 2003 04:57:00 -0500State Parks muddle through budget cutsVisitors to Minnesota State Parks might not notice the downside of budget cuts. But park officials worry deferred maintenance might become a problem if the budget doesn't improve in coming years.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/07/28_kelleherb_stateparks/?refid=0
Mon, 28 Jul 2003 11:54:00 -0500Sewage and sandA new monitoring program has revealed what may be a chronic problem for Duluth beaches - nasty germs. Two beaches were posted Tuesday for unsafe levels of bacteria in the water. So far, Duluth beaches have been posted seven times this summer. It's not certain where the bacteria is coming from -- but a spate of large sewage spills is one possible source.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/07/23_kelleherb_dirtybeaches/?refid=0
Wed, 23 Jul 2003 14:38:00 -0500AMBER AlertsMinnesota's state-wide AMBER alert system has been online for just over a year. It's been used six times, with all six missing kids recovered. Now state officials are looking at ways to improve the system.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/07/16_kelleherb_amberalert/?refid=0
Wed, 16 Jul 2003 00:01:00 -0500West Nile at the ZooZoo and wildlife managers are bracing for another season with West Nile virus. West Nile is a concern for public health officials and a headache for the state's zoos. Zoos have been scrambling to protect susceptible birds and animals, including some endangered species.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/06/24_kelleherb_westnilezoos/?refid=0
Tue, 24 Jun 2003 10:28:00 -0500Lynching victims memorial takes shape in DuluthDuluth's memorial to the victims of a 1920 lynching is coming together on a downtown corner. A memorial wall, plantings, and bronze reliefs of the victims will be in place in a special downtown park by October.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/06/09_kelleherb_memorialcasting/?refid=0
Sun, 08 Jun 2003 15:30:00 -0500The weight of our kidsSchool aged kids are fatter than ever. New studies find more kids overweight and out of shape. Duluth's schools are trying to do more with limited physical education time, but there are plenty of calories in school for kids to fill up on.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/06/02_kelleherb_obesitykids/?refid=0
Mon, 02 Jun 2003 12:00:00 -0500Eveleth taconite plant closesThe Eveleth Taconite Co., known as EVTAC, might be ending a 38-year run producing taconite pellets as it shuts down this week. Company officials hope to reopen the plant, but there's a good chance it never will.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/05/14_kelleherb_evtaccloses/?refid=0
Wed, 14 May 2003 16:29:00 -0500The missing lynxResearchers study the mysterious Canada lynx. Why have the wild cats returned to the Superior National Forest after apparently being gone for years?http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/04/23_kelleherb_lynx/?refid=0
Thu, 24 Apr 2003 06:00:00 -0500The future for Wisconsin PointFond Du Lac Band officials may relocate the remains of Ojibway, whose graves were uprooted and moved more than 100 years ago. The bodies were taken from a cemetery on Wisconsin Point, and reburied in a mass grave in Superior, Wisconsin. The band is expecting to recover 18 acres on the point. The land was recently abandoned by the federal government. Tribal officials think it would be an appropriate site for reburial.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/04/21_kelleherb_wiscpoint/?refid=0
Mon, 21 Apr 2003 12:00:00 -0500Wolves being declassifiedGray wolves have a new status in Michigan, Wisconsin, and other states. Federal officials are downlisting gray wolves from endangered to threatened. It's a change that lets wildlife managers kill some troublesome timberwolves.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/03/18_kelleherb_wolfstatus/?refid=0
Tue, 18 Mar 2003 16:40:00 -0600The Depot in debtOne of Duluth's oldest and most popular tourist draws is defaulting to its owner, St. Louis County. The nonprofit that's run the Duluth Depot for 26 years is throwing in the towel. St. Louis County is the new landlord.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/01/30_kelleherb_depot/?refid=0
Thu, 30 Jan 2003 16:00:00 -0600Who might run the aquarium? Believe it or not!Can a company known for its odd-ball discoveries effectively manage Duluth's Great Lakes Aquarium? Ripley Entertainment is one of three organizations considered for a management contract.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/01/16_kelleherb_duluthaquarium/?refid=0
Thu, 16 Jan 2003 15:19:00 -0600Tariff on Canadian lumber may have backfiredThe duties were supposed to slow lumber imports from Canada. But Canadian mills have instead ramped up production to cover higher costs. Now, the U.S. Commerce Department is proposing a plan to end the long standing dispute.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2003/01/10_kelleherb_lumbertariffs/?refid=0
Fri, 10 Jan 2003 13:00:00 -0600Iron mining 2002The worst may be over for Minnesota's iron mining industry, but the future is unpredictable.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/30_kelleherb_ironyearender/?refid=0
Mon, 30 Dec 2002 06:00:00 -0600Freethinkers lead lives without religionChristmas isn't a religious celebration for members of the Lake Superior Freethinkers. They gather each month to talk about society, morality, and life without religion. Most are decidedly atheist, or, at best, agnostic.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/27_kelleherb_free/?refid=0
Fri, 27 Dec 2002 14:23:00 -0600Ski-jumping stalls in ElyEly's 11 story high ski jump towers above the forest just east of town. But it's been unused for almost 10 years. Officials worry it's become a danger to the public. Officials want to see it used, but might consider selling it, or just tearing it down.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200212/05_kelleherb_skijumps/?refid=0
Thu, 05 Dec 2002 06:00:00 -0600Processing without rulesMinnesota and Wisconsin hunters will shoot thousands of deer this season. All of the deer carcasses will then be butchered. With the specter of chronic wasting disease in the deer herd, sanitary processing and procedures are more important than ever.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200211/18_kelleherb_processors/?refid=0
Mon, 18 Nov 2002 06:00:00 -0600Zapping pollution awayIt might be possible to break down pollution trapped underwater in Great Lake harbors, by zapping the contaminants with an electrical charge. A German company's method is getting its first U.S. test in Duluth.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200210/31_kelleherb_electropollution-m/?refid=0
Thu, 31 Oct 2002 12:00:00 -0600Tuning Weber Music HallThe University of Minnesota-Duluth's new
Weber Music Hall was designed for near perfect acoustics. An acoustician's fine tuning makes it perfect.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200210/25_kelleherb_umdhall-m/?refid=0
Fri, 25 Oct 2002 12:00:00 -0500A Home For A HeroRichard Bong was America's Ace of Aces. Superior Wisconsin's new Bong Heritage Center pays homage to the Congressional Medal of Honor Winner; his contemporaries;
and the airplane he flew to fame.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200209/24_kelleherb_bongmemorial-m/?refid=0
Tue, 24 Sep 2002 12:00:00 -0500Diving for rail carsThey're dropping old mining equipment into a
lake near Gilbert, Minnesota - hoping scuba
divers will come for a look.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200209/02_kelleherb_sunkentrains-m/?refid=0
Mon, 02 Sep 2002 12:00:00 -0500Big plans for a bear center in ElyThere's a new attraction vying for tourists' attention in Ely. The North American Bear Center has opened on the city's main business street. The bear center has started on a modest scale, but promoters have big plans.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200207/31_kelleherb_bears-m/?refid=0
Wed, 31 Jul 2002 12:00:00 -0500Fall Lake DigThe Fall Lake Campground, near Ely may have been a popular stopping place for some time. Archaeologists are finding evidence of people who stopped there ten thousand years ago.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200207/18_kelleherb_bigdig-m/?refid=0
Thu, 18 Jul 2002 12:00:00 -0500Septic WarsDouglas County residents are raising a major stink
over Wisconsin's new rules for home septic systems.
Some worry about new construction on ecologically
sensitive property. Others say the government has
no right to inspect private waste systems.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200207/09_kelleherb_septicwars-m/?refid=0
Tue, 09 Jul 2002 12:00:00 -0500Researchers investigate whether trees can lessen global warmingScientists are growing trees in a northern Wisconsin forest in a bath of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and ozone. They want to know if trees can help limit global warming. Early results suggest the cocktail of pollutants produced by humans might endanger Upper Midwest forests. Scientists worry this may be offsetting any ability trees might have to slow an increase in world temperatures.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200207/02_kelleherb_globalwarming-m/?refid=0
Tue, 02 Jul 2002 12:00:00 -0500The Dukes play ballThe Duluth-Superior Dukes baseball team has the lowest attendance in the Northern League. It could have something to do with the weather coming in off Lake Superior. Yet the hard core fans say the team has a classic stadium, and a lot of heart. The owners hope this year, they might even make some money.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200205/23_kelleherb_dukes-m/?refid=0
Thu, 23 May 2002 12:00:00 -0500Changing face of the Boundary WatersCould new hardwoods growing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness be an indicator of global warming?http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200205/03_kelleherb_blowdownupdate-m/?refid=0
Fri, 03 May 2002 12:00:00 -0500Iron Miners' Disappointing LegacyThousands of Minnesota's LTV retirees face pension cuts and loss of health insurance.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200203/15_kelleherb_steellegacies-m/?refid=0
Fri, 15 Mar 2002 12:00:00 -0600A bad year for miningA year ago, Minnesota's iron mining industry employed nearly 4,500 workers. By the year's end the number has dropped one-third. Northeast Minnesota is reeling from a double punch - the national recession, and a steel industry in crisis. The fallout is spreading well beyond the 1,400 households of displaced iron workers. It's hitting some of the region's most vulnerable residents.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200112/27_kelleherb_steel-m/?refid=0
Thu, 27 Dec 2001 12:00:00 -0600Honk the Moose is rebornA small Iron Range town is reliving its past through a classic children's book - the true tale of a moose that came to town and stayed. First published in 1935, <i>Honk The Moose</i> was out of print for 40 years. Now Honk is back.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200111/23_kelleherb_honk-m/?refid=0
Fri, 23 Nov 2001 12:00:00 -0600Horseshoe heaven in HibbingHibbing is ringing this week. It's not just the heat, but the fierce competition at the World Horseshoe Tournament. But there's more to this game than just lofting some metal toward a pole. There's an art, a protocol, to this.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200108/09_kelleherb_horseshoes-m/?refid=0
Thu, 09 Aug 2001 12:00:00 -0500The prospects for prospecting in northern MinnesotaThere's a new round of mineral exploration in Northeastern Minnesota. The region, best known for iron-bearing taconite, could soon produce precious minerals such as gold, silver and platinum, maybe even diamonds. New developments are making the prospects of prospecting more appealing.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200107/16_kelleherb_mining-m/?refid=0
Mon, 16 Jul 2001 12:00:00 -0500Fire restrictions in place in BWCADry conditions are forcing new restrictions on wilderness hiking, campfires and outdoor burning in northeastern Minnesota. Firefighting reinforcements are arriving in case wildfire breaks out in the huge blowdown in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200107/12_kelleherb_bwca-m/?refid=0
Thu, 12 Jul 2001 12:00:00 -0500Grandma turns 25Grandma's Marathon has become a venerable institution in Duluth. It's the single top draw to the port city, and it's well established as one of the nation's premier foot races.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200106/14_kelleherb_marathon-m/?refid=0
Thu, 14 Jun 2001 12:00:00 -0500Forest Industry Looks to FinlandMore than 100 people are gathering in a Grand Rapids resort Wednesday to consider a new future for Minnesota's forests. Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Allen Garber hopes to sell the group on his vision of forestry, providing raw material for a vibrant lumber industry, habitat for wildlife, and room for recreation.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200105/30_kelleherb_forest-m/?refid=0
Wed, 30 May 2001 12:00:00 -0500Land of the Low LakesThe ships are moving again on Lake Superior, but Great Lakes freighters will be loading lighter than ever this year to stay above the bottoms of harbors and rivers between the lakes.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200103/26_kelleher_lakes-m/?refid=0
Mon, 26 Mar 2001 12:00:00 -0600Minnesota's Hidden WorkforceUnemployment remains low across Minnesota, despite a slowing economy. In Northeast Minnesota's Arrowhead, the jobless rate hovers around three percent, but new data shows that many of those <i>with</i> jobs are either working below their abilities, or making less money than they could elsewhere.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200012/15_kelleherb_workforce-m/?refid=0
Fri, 15 Dec 2000 12:00:00 -0600Trouble in Timber CountryMinnesota's wood products industry is in trouble. The producers of Minnesota paper and lumber report poor earnings; some have laid off staff, others have closed. High interest rates, foreign competition and tight timber supplies are combining to squeeze profits from timber producers.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200010/26_kelleherb_timber-m/?refid=0
Thu, 26 Oct 2000 12:00:00 -0500Fighting Fire with FireThe clear, blue skies over Snowbank Lake filled with billowing smoke on October 11, as the Forest Service set a prescribed fire in timber that was blown down in the July 1999 windstorm. Fire experts consider the controlled burn just the first of many more to come in and near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200010/12_kelleherb_fire-m/?refid=0
Thu, 12 Oct 2000 12:00:00 -0500Sink or Swim: Duluth's New Aquarium Openshttp://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200007/28_kelleherb_aqua-m/?refid=0
Fri, 28 Jul 2000 12:00:00 -0500Minnesota's Changed WildernessA year ago, wilderness campers and vacationers in and around Northeast Minnesota's Superior National Forest were startled to see a looming black line of clouds darken the sky. It was a massive storm that over the next few hours flooded homes, blew out highways, and dropped millions of trees across the forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Scores of people were injured, while the popular camping and canoe wilderness was forever changed.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200007/05_kelleherb_blowdown-m/?refid=0
Wed, 05 Jul 2000 12:00:00 -0500The Sinking LakesShips are leaving Duluth with lighter loads than usual because of low water levels on the Great Lakes. Ships have to float higher in the water to clear the bottom in shallow areas. It takes more ships to carry the same tonnage of products like grain, coal and taconite ore.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200006/05_kelleherb_lakes-m/?refid=0
Mon, 05 Jun 2000 12:00:00 -0500A Matter of TimeIt's only a matter of time before a massive forest fire whips through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Officials and residents bordering the region are using that time to prepare for the worst.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200005/18_kelleherb_bwcaw-m/?refid=0
Thu, 18 May 2000 12:00:00 -0500Trouble on the Bunny TrailSome residents of Duluth, are hopping mad about rabbits. A pair of domesticated rabbits was released into an isolated neighborhood about three years ago. As rabbits do, they've multiplied. Scores of big, black and white bunnies and their bouncy offspring are running around Park Point. The rabbits are a novelty but a nuisance to homeowners who find themselves in a turf war over gardens and shrubbery.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200005/08_kelleherb_bunnies-m/?refid=0
Mon, 08 May 2000 12:00:00 -0500Organizers Try to Get Beargrease Back on TrackJust 10 sled dog teams will head up a trail along Lake Superior's North Shore Sunday for the annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. But new upstart events, with much larger purses, may be draining top competitors from the state's premier sled dog event.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/200002/04_kelleherb_beargrease-m/?refid=0
Fri, 04 Feb 2000 12:00:00 -0600Bringing Up the Rearhttp://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/199911/05_kelleherb_tail-m/?refid=0
Fri, 05 Nov 1999 12:00:00 -0600The Need for Speed in BWCA Tree RemovalThe ongoing effort to reduce fire risk from felled trees has many concerned.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/199908/28_kelleherb_trees/?refid=0
Sat, 28 Aug 1999 12:00:00 -0500The Rise of the Disposable ComputerRapid leaps in technology are making the cost of upgrading a computer higher than buying new.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/199908/23_kelleherb_computer/?refid=0
Mon, 23 Aug 1999 12:00:00 -0500Willard Munger, 1911-1999Minnesota's longest-serving legislator leaves a legacy in the environment of Duluth and the North Shore.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/199907/12_kelleherb_munger-m/?refid=0
Mon, 12 Jul 1999 12:00:00 -0500No Shelter From the StormThe BWCA recovers from a massive weekend storm and campers consider what to do in a future situation.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/199907/06_kelleherb_storm-m/?refid=0
Tue, 06 Jul 1999 12:00:00 -0500Arrest in Poirier CaseThe search for Katie Poirier resumes after police arrest a man in her disappearance.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/199906/21_kelleherb_arrest-m/?refid=0
Mon, 21 Jun 1999 12:00:00 -0500Duluth Feels the PinchGreater Minnesota - historically the area of greatest unemployment - is feeling the sting of a tight labor market too.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/199906/18_kelleherb_duluthjobs-m/?refid=0
Fri, 18 Jun 1999 12:00:00 -0500Where's Katie?Few searchers are showing up to help look for the missing Moose Lake girl.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/199906/09_kelleherb_missing-m/?refid=0
Wed, 09 Jun 1999 12:00:00 -0500Smelt Populations DwindlePeople who depend on smelt for their livelihood on Lake Superior look for reason of species decline.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/199905/05_kelleherb_nosmelt/?refid=0
Wed, 05 May 1999 12:00:00 -0500What's Happening to Minnesota's Forests?A new report suggests the state will run out of wood to harvest if present trends continue.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/199904/22_kelleherb_timber-m/?refid=0
Thu, 22 Apr 1999 12:00:00 -0500Plant Comes with Strings AttachedMinnesota considers spending tax money on the largest private construction project in state history.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/199904/07_kelleherb_nashwauk-m/?refid=0
Wed, 07 Apr 1999 12:00:00 -0500Willard's in the HouseMinnesota's oldest and longest-serving legislator in history returns to the Capitol.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/199903/31_kelleherb_munger/?refid=0
Wed, 31 Mar 1999 12:00:00 -0600Need a Locomotive Oiler?Chances are Berger Hardware in Superior, Wisconsin has it - somewhere.http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/199903/26_kelleherb_berger-m/?refid=0
Fri, 26 Mar 1999 12:00:00 -0600